Martha A. Cangemi, 74, of Mansfield passed away, Wednesday, January 14, 2026 in Crystal Care Center. She was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer, but beat the odds embarking the next three years on what she called “the great adventure”.
She was born January 6, 1952 in Cuyahoga Falls to the late Andrew and Margaret (Dannemiller) Walch and graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School. Martha was a 1974 graduate of the University of Akron, earning a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She taught math for one year before beginning a career in management, serving as an assistant manager at Burger Chef and later at Walmart in Ashland. While she was dedicated and capable in her professional work, it was aviation that truly captured her heart and defined much of her life.
A licensed pilot and flight instructor, Martha found her greatest joy in the sky. She flew as both pilot and co-pilot of a historic WWII B-25 Bomber and was never afraid to get her hands dirty, actively working on aircraft restoration projects. She met her husband, Carmello Cangemi, at the Lorain County Airport, and the two were married on April 29, 2000, sharing a life grounded in mutual respect and a love of aviation. Martha was a faithful attendee of the weeklong Oshkosh AirVenture, rarely missing a year, and worked and volunteered countless hours at the Liberty Air Museum in Port Clinton, where she formed lasting friendships with others who shared her passion.
Among her favorite aircraft were the B-25 Mitchell, the B-29 FIFI, and most recently Georgie’s Girl, and the PBY which she held especially dear. Away from the airfield, Martha enjoyed vegetable gardening, proudly raising tomatoes, corn, and beans. She was a self-taught piano player and found comfort in music and quiet moments at home. She also had a special place in her heart for her beloved beagle mixes, Ranger and Edie. Martha will be remembered for her compassionate, understanding nature, her willingness to give her time and talents to others, and a life lived with purpose and curiosity.
She is survived by her beloved husband Camello Cangemi, siblings Mary (Michael) Meyers, James (Denise) Walch, Robert Walch (Lydia Bohm), and John (Mary) Walch; nieces and nephews Valerie Walch, Brandon Walch, Andrew Walch, Patrick Walch, and Alison Brooks, along with many extended family and dear friends.
Friends may call Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 4- 7 pm in the Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 am in St. Peter Catholic Church, following Mass, Martha will be laid to rest at 1:15 pm in Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery.
Memorial donations in honor of Martha may be made to Liberty Air Museum or the Richland County Humane Society.
The Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Cangemi family and encourage messages of support by visiting snyderfuneralhomes.com.
Funeral Home: Marion Avenue Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com