KNOX — Ronald F. Martin, an athlete and sports fan with a good sense of humor, died on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, with his family by his side. He was 76.

Mr. Martin was born in Albany on Dec. 4, 1938, to the late Earl and Elizabeth Martin.

He graduated from the Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School in 1957. As a student he played baseball and basketball; last month, his high school basketball team was inducted into the BKW Hall of Fame.

After he graduated, he began a 40-year career in construction with the T. J. Bell Incorporated.

In 1961, he was drafted into the United States Army and stationed in Germany, “where he served his country honorably,” wrote his family in a tribute.

He had married the love of his life, Barbara, in 1960, and, through the Army, the two traveled throughout Germany and other parts of Europe.

“He talked highly of that time,” said his son, Ronald Martin Jr.

Mr. Martin remained an avid baseball and basketball fan throughout his life, rooting for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Minnesota Wolverines.

He loved coaching his son in Little League and continued to coach for many years after.

He was also very proud of his three holes-in-one at Schalamar Creek Country Club golf course in Lakeland, Florida, where he spent some of his retirement.

In addition to sports, Mr. Martin loved gardening.

“He took a lot of pride in his garden,” said his son. “He grew every vegetable you can imagine.”

He was always good for a laugh, his son said, and was a friend to whoever needed a helping hand.

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Mr. Martin is survived by his children, Daphne Hilt, and her husband, Jeff, Deborah Howard, and Ron Martin Jr., and his wife, Lori; his grandchildren, Olivia, Tessa, Eva, Amanda, Meghan, Paul, Stephanie, Nathaniel, Nicholas, Alyssa, Kyle, and Evana; and his siblings, Gerald Martin and Mae Seeberger.

His wife of 55 years, Barbara, died before him, as did his siblings, Gladys Filkins, Elizabeth Santo, Ralph Martin, George Martin, and Gordon Martin.

Calling hours will be held at the New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Road, Albany, on Sunday, Nov. 22, from noon to 3 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at St. Kateri Tekawitha, 1803 Union St., Schenectady, at 9 a.m.

— Anne Hayden Harwood