Martin Thomas Sloyan's Obituary
Martin Thomas Sloyan
June 12, 1935-September 20, 2025
Martin Thomas Sloyan, a beloved father, grandfather, uncle, cousin, friend and neighbor passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his adoring family on September 20, 2025. He was ninety years old. He will be remembered for his servant leadership, abiding faith, strong character and steadfast devotion to his family.
As a lifelong Memphian, Martin was born on June 12, 1935, to James and Edwina Sloyan. He attended St. Thomas and Immaculate Conception grade schools and graduated from Memphis Catholic High School for Boys where he proudly played football for the Terriers. After high school and a brief time in the U.S. Army, Martin joined the Memphis Fire Department as a private and served bravely for decades, rising to the rank of Captain. He would also work additional jobs to ensure the best for his young family. In his spare time, he found joy in coaching parochial football at Our Lady of Sorrows and St. Michael Schools. He would impart important life lessons such as character, perseverance, discipline and a strong work ethic to his young athletes, many who have continued to maintain contact for over 50 years.
At home, he loved working in his yard and tending to his beautiful flowers. He was known for his daily walks in the neighborhood, he knew his neighbors and his neighbors knew him. He was always the first to stop and help anyone in need, whether on his street, in the grocery store or in his community. For years, he also enjoyed fishing at Snow Lake and visiting estate sales, favorite past times he shared with his treasured wife, Patty. Above all, was his fierce love and unwavering devotion to the Sloyan/Amato family. Without question, he was the family patriarch, our Bubby. Throughout his life and even at the end, he could be counted on to show up and provide a strong presence in both good and challenging times. He was known for his quick wit and the way that he would light up any room. He left a lasting mark and an example for future generations. Martin was preceded in death by his cherished wife, Patty, parents James and Edwina Sloyan, sister Carol Ann Amato and brother, James Edward Sloyan. He is survived by his children, Teresa Sloyan and Patrick Sloyan, two grandchildren, John David Sloyan and Zachary Sloyan. He also deeply cherished his relationships with his nieces and nephews,
Eddie Amato, Kathy Bischoff (John), Annette Outlan (Stoughton), Patricia Gann, and cousin Terry Cowles (Juanita) along with great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at St. Louis Church, where he was a communicant for over 40 years. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. with a funeral mass beginning at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow immediately at Memorial Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Madonna Learning Center, a nurturing faith-based charity that empowers children and adults with special needs to reach their full potential. In the school’s early years, Martin was recruited by Sr. Mary Mark as a volunteer where he regularly drove students to swimming lessons, baseball games and events. To them, he was Mr. Martin. He would later say that he received more than he gave through this incredible life experience.
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