William Joseph Martin, decorated Navy veteran
William Joseph Martin was welcomed into heaven Monday, Feb. 13, 2012. Born in New York City to William Martin and Mary Barry Martin, he moved to North Arlington, N.J. as a child.
He enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 to serve his country during World War II. He proudly served as a bow gunner flying Privateers and Liberators in the South Pacific for crews VP 108 and VPB 121. Highly decorated for heroism, he was inducted into the Enlisted Combat Aircrew Roll of Honors inaugural ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS YORKTOWN at Patriots Point Naval and Maritime Museum Oct. 10, 1996, in Charleston S.C. He is also credited with shooting down the last enemy aircraft of World War II as a naval aviation gunner. He retired from the Navy March 18, 1985.
Following the war he married his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth "Betty" Hannah, and settled in Sparta, N.J. where they raised two children, Barry Martin of Flagstaff, Ariz. and Bruce Martin of Lewes. He is survived by his wife Betty; sons Barry and Bruce; along with three grandchildren: two great-grandchildren; and two sisters: Katherine Dwyer of Lewes and Betty Willard of Kingman, Ariz. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister Virginia; and two grandchildren, Leah and James Martin.
He was a mechanic by trade, working for the U.S. Postal Service where he is credited with saving the life of a fellow employee. He owned and operated several repair shops in New Jersey and Arizona. Bill embraced life and freely shared his knowledge and labor with anyone in need. Organizations he belonged to were the American Legion, Knights of Columbus and the VFW where he served as commander of Post 7248 in Sparta and later as district commander for northern New Jersey.
His hobbies and interests were many. He obtained a pilot’s license and plane to fuel his passion for flying. There was always a dog by his side and he had a love of the outdoors where fishing and hunting took top spots. He taught at a vocational school, umpired and coached Little League, was troop leader for Boy Scouts, gardened, traveled and was an avid woodworker where bird carving in his shop gave him pleasure. He lived in Lewes his last 21 years. William was very proud of his Scottish heritage and the game of golf.
Bill will be fondly remembered by his family and friends. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012, at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Ave, Rehoboth Beach. A catered reception in the church hall will follow. Per Bill's wishes, he will be buried at sea. Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Lewes, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a donation be made in Bill's name to Delaware Hospice, 100 Patriots Way, Milford, DE 19963.
