Martin McSally, older brother of Arizona senator, dies
Sen. Martha McSally’s older brother, Martin McSally, died unexpectedly last week at age 58.
Martin McSally of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, was one of five siblings in the McSally family, a husband and father to three children. According to his obituary, he was a bright man with a knack for facts and trivia, football, reading and true crime and who was devoted to his family and friends.
“My heart is broken by the unexpected passing of my brother Martin last week at way too young an age,” Martha McSally tweeted. “I love him deeply and miss him so much but know he is with God and reunited with our Dad. Grateful for prayers for our whole family.”
Martin McSally worked in the construction business, undertaking concrete work and demolition of steel and concrete structures, according to his obituary, which says the work “included grueling physical labor that took a toll on his body.”
He was “most proud of being known as ‘the fixer’ and ‘the closer’ because of his ability and reputation for taking on responsibility to resolve unique and complex issues bringing major projects to a successful completion,” according to his obituary.
In “Dare to Fly: Simple Lessons in Never Giving Up,” McSally wrote of an idyllic childhood growing up in Rhode Island. The family frequented their beach house, where her three brothers would fish for flounder and bluefish and trap lobsters for the family.
McSally’s father, Bernard McSally, died at age 49 after suffering heart attacks, McSally wrote.
More than 200 messages of peace, love and support followed McSally’s acknowledgement of her brother’s passing over Twitter. Rep. Debbie Lesko, RAriz., replied: “I’m praying for your comfort Martha.”
McSally’s Democratic opponent, Mark Kelly, and his wife, Gabby Giffords, sent condolences to the McSally family. “Words fall short in expressing our sorrow for your loss,” Kelly wrote on Twitter. “We are thinking about you and your family. May he rest in peace.”