Ronald L. Martz, proud veteran
Ronald “Poppie” L. Martz, 83, of Rehoboth Beach, passed peacefully at home Saturday, June 25, 2022, surrounded by his whole family, after a long, brave battle with cancer. He was born Jan. 13, 1939, in Berwick, Pa., son of the late Paul Melcoire and Helen Martha (Hause) Martz.
Ronald was a proud veteran, having served honorably in both the U.S. Coast Guard and the U.S. Air Force. On Oct. 29, 1960, he married the love of his life, Yvonne Lee Bryan, and the two of them would enjoy 62 wonderful years together, raising a beautiful family. After serving his country, Ronald’s path would lead him to a career in public service working for the State of Delaware. He enjoyed a lengthy career with the Delaware State Police communications, a job that gave him an immense amount of pride and satisfaction.
He had many interests including Ham Radio and researching his family’s genealogy. He was a longtime member of Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Station 86, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Henlopen Grange, and was a park watch volunteer with Delaware State Parks. His faith was an integral part of his life, and he was a dedicated member of the Groome Church.
In addition to his parents, Ronald was preceded in death by his youngest sister, Janis Martz. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Yvonne L. (Bryan) Martz of Lewes; his daughters, Donna Martz Anderson (Randall) and Teri Leigh Fairbee (Eric); his son, Timothy Alan Martz (Lisa); his grandchildren, Janis Loreen Wilson (Michael), AshLeigh Marie McKinney (James), Scott Edward Alan Martz (Amanda), Kristin Mikele Martz, Rebecca LeeAnn Larson (Harry), Joshua Ryan Anderson and Michael Timothy Martz; and his great-grandchildren, Patrick Joshua Connor, Breanna Jo Martz, Jayden Isaac McKinney, Aubree Lynn Martz, Barrett Andrew Martz, Michael Leeland Wilson III, Raegan RiLeigh McKinney, Rylynn Brooke Larson and Haley Marie Wilson. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Mr. Martz will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Chapel committal services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, July 6, at Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro. A Celebration of Life will follow at Red Men’s Lodge, 17451 Nassau Commons Blvd., Lewes.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, Lewes.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Mr. Martz’s memory to the charity of one’s choice.
Visit Ronald’s Life Memorial webpage and sign his virtual guestbook at parsellfuneralhomes.com.
