Keith William Martin (Jefe), born on April 19, 1965, passed away peacefully at home on Monday February 17, 2025, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was a devoted husband to Amy (McFarland) for 29 years and a proud father to Allie, Addison and his furry friend Barron Martin.

Keith was born in Buffalo, NY and raised in Stoneboro, PA. He attended the Milton Hershey School with his brothers where he cultivated friendships and learned invaluable skills from the 4th grade until he graduated high school. A proud Penn State Alumnus, he graduated in 1988 before earning his master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Penn State defeating Ohio State and Michigan in all sports were among his many joys.

He was the beloved son of the late George and Shirley (Lang) Martin; Keith is survived and missed by his older sister Karen Cretacci, twin brother Ken (Marge) Martin, younger brother Jim (Cyndi) Martin and sister-in-law Julie Lawson; five nieces and nephews, Lexi Baldridge, Jarrod (Emily), Kyle and Jenna Martin; and great uncle to Luke, Cooper and Ellie Martin.

Keith dedicated nearly 27 years of his life to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) where he served as the Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Division before retiring. During his tenure with the DEA, he formed a close-knit brotherhood with his colleagues, who became like family to him, as well as the many individuals within the Federal, State, and Local law enforcement sector.

After graduating from the DEA Academy in Quantico, Virginia his career with the DEA began in Detroit, Michigan before moving to Chicago, Illinois. After serving in multiple locations stateside, Keith moved his family to Argentina and then to Panama with the DEA. He embraced every opportunity to explore the world and bring his family along with him.

With an adventurous spirit and a deep love for life, he sought out new experiences and made the most of every moment, always sharing them with family and friends that he cherished dearly. While it would be impossible to list every place that he visited or every incredible adventure he had, the memories he created will live on in spirit, forever treasured by those whose lives he touched.

After a devoted and distinguished career in law enforcement, he retired from the DEA, only to briefly come out of retirement to work for First Energy Corporation. His decision was driven by his strong work ethic and his deep appreciation for the people he worked with – he held the Cleveland community close to his heart and cherished the opportunity to continue working alongside them.

Some of Keith’s passions included Penn State football, pranking his friends, watching movies, talking politics and making lasting memories with his family. He loved the simple things-going for walks with Amy, football Sundays with Allie, pizza dates with Addison, playing with Barron, and seeing his girls smile every day. To have lived a life full of so much laughter, joy and love is one of the greatest gifts and to have gotten the opportunity to have been a part of Keith’s life was nothing short of a blessing.

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday March 14, 2025, at Parkside Church, 7100 Pettibone Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. Celebration of Life will follow at Parkside Church.

In addition to flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to a college fund for Keith’s daughter, Addison. All contributions will be for Addison’s college 529 plan through the State of Ohio. Contributions may be made through the following: Direct to Addison’s 529 Plan CODE: 68Y-U5B (use with link). Floral arrangements may be sent to Parkside Church, 7100 Pettibone Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023.

Arrangements by Johnson-Romito Funeral Home Twinsburg, Ohio

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