Martin Gene Ballou, Sr.

Martin Gene Ballou, Sr. 74, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family at South County Hospital on Monday, August 15, 2011. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Judith (Schaeffer) Ballou. Born in Cranston, RI, he was the son of Martin Grant Ballou and Mary (Secor) Ballou. Marty will be remembered for his contributions and advocacy for the RI fire alarm codes, which became a model for municipalities across the country. His views and ideas contributed to the safety of all RI residents. He was a lifetime member and served as officer of the International Municipal Signaling Association, (IMSA) and the Fire Communications Officers Association of RI (FCOARI). Marty was a renowned teacher and resource for the development and installation of public safety systems. Marty retired from the Department of Safety and Risk Management at URI. From 1962 until 2002, he developed, installed and maintained the public safety system in the town of South Kingstown. His tireless dedication and devotion to the community was reflective of his selfless and generous nature. He was a member of Christ the King Parish where he served as Eucharistic minister and participated in the Stephen Ministry program. Besides his wife, he is survived by his sons, Martin Jr. of South Attleboro, MA, David and his wife Leise of Towson, MD and Brian and his wife Tammy of Wakefield, RI; his brother, Austin of West Linn, OR and step-grandsons, Nathan, Jeffrey & Oscar. Marty was many things to many people and will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness, generosity and the ability to endure his many medical challenges with humor and determination. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday at 10:00 AM in Christ the King Church, 180 Old North Rd., Kingston. Burial will be in the Schaeffer Cemetery, Peace Dale. Visiting hours Thursday 3-7 PM in the Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. Donations in memory of Marty may be made to American Parkinson’s Disease Association, P.O. Box 41659, Providence, RI 02940. For guest book and condolences, averystortifuneralhome.com.