It is with broken hearts and profound sorrow that we announce the passing of one of our dearest and most beloved members of The Little Theatre On The Square family, Marty Harbaugh, who left this world last night after a courageous battle with lung cancer.
Marty was more than a friend, a colleague, or a supporter—he was the very spirit of this place. His laughter could light up a room, his presence brought warmth and joy to everyone he encountered, and his gift for storytelling was legendary. To know Marty was to love him. To share space with him was to be uplifted by his genuine kindness, unshakable positivity, and his ability to find beauty and humor in every moment.
For so many of us, Marty wasn’t just part of the Theatre—he was the Theatre. Whether it was backstage helping with productions, sitting in the front row with a sparkle in his eye, or greeting everyone with that familiar smile that made you feel like you were the most important person in the room, Marty made magic happen simply by being himself.
His legacy is stitched into every curtain raised, every standing ovation, and every joyful laugh shared within these walls. We will miss his voice, his hugs, his impeccable comic timing, and the stories that he always told with such heart that you couldn’t help but feel like you were part of something special.
A memorial service to celebrate Marty’s remarkable life will be held at McMullin-Young Funeral Home in Sullivan on Thursday, July 24. Final arrangements and service times will be shared tomorrow. All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and pay tribute to a man who gave so much love and light to our community.
In honor of Marty’s generous spirit and lifelong passion for this community, his family kindly asks that memorial donations be made in lieu of flowers to either The Little Theatre On The Square or to the Sullivan Ambucs, two organizations that meant the world to him.
We also invite you to share your favorite memories, stories, and photos of Marty. Let us remember him through the moments that made us smile, laugh, and feel connected—just as he always did for us.
As we say goodbye to a friend, a mentor, and a legend, we also promise to carry his light forward. We will continue to tell stories. We will continue to gather and laugh. We will continue to build a community that feels like family—just the way Marty always did.
To Lori Harbaugh and the entire Harbaugh family, our hearts are with you. May you find comfort in the immense love that surrounds you and in knowing that Marty touched so many lives in ways words can barely express.
We love you, Marty. Thank you for everything. The stage will never be the same without you—but your spirit will forever echo in every note, every laugh, and every story told.
Rest easy, dear friend. The spotlight will always shine a little brighter because of you.
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