Martin R. Stenson, 71, insurance salesman

Martin R. Stenson, 71, of Springfield, Delaware County, a longtime insurance salesman and active community worker, died Sunday, Sept. 14, of Alzheimer's disease at his home.

Mr. Stenson attended St. Thomas More Boys' High School in Philadelphia, where he forged many of his lifelong friendships. He graduated in 1952 and then served in the Army.

In 1960, he was hired as a salesman with Liberty Mutual Insurance Co. His office was first in Bala Cynwyd and later in Springfield. He stayed with the firm for almost 40 years.

He was named to the Liberty Mutual Sales Hall of Fame and was awarded the Liberty Mutual Platinum Circle Award, Golden Circle Award, and Silver Life Achievement Award.

Mr. Stenson was a believer in community service. He was active at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Springfield, where he ushered for 15 years.

He was a founding member and past president of the St. Thomas More Alumni Association.

He also was a member of the Hero Bowl Delaware County, Hero Scholarship Fund of Delaware County, St. Francis of Assisi CYO, Archdiocese of Philadelphia Hall of Fame Committee, Cardinal O'Hara High School Home and School Association, and Springfield Boys and Girls Club.

He also was a fourth-degree member of the De La Salle Knights of Columbus, belonged to Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 65, and worked as a legislative aide to State Rep. William Adolph (R., Delaware).

Mr. Stenson received the Father McVeigh Award for exemplifying the spirit and traditions of St. Thomas More, and the Alumni Spirit of O'Hara Award for fostering the spirit of Cardinal O'Hara.

"Marty was a warm and compassionate man of faith, perhaps best known for his love of anything Irish," his family said in a tribute. He was funny, optimistic, kind, and generous, they said.

His parents were natives of Ireland, and he was born in Philadelphia after they arrived in the United States. He married Marie Phillips; they were together 51 years.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are daughters Colleen Bassett, Maureen Algeo, and Kathleen Kirsch; son Martin H.; eight grandchildren; and a sister.

A viewing at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 19, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, 136 Saxer Ave., Springfield, will be followed by a Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Burial is in SS. Peter and Paul Cemetery.

Donations may be made to the St. Thomas More Alumni Association Scholarship Fund, Box 294, Drexel Hill, Pa. 19026, or the Cardinal O'Hara High School Scholarship Fund, 1701 S. Sproul Rd., Springfield, Pa. 19064.

610-313-8102