John W. Martin, 79, died peacefully in his home surrounded by family on February 16, 2023. He was born on April 27, 1943, in Wilmington, Delaware, the son of James G. Martin and Helen Isabell Brown.
John graduated from Conrad High School, class of 1962. He proudly served in the United States Navy from 1958 to 1964. He married his high school sweetheart, Susan, with whom he recently celebrated 56 years of marriage. John and Susan settled in the neighborhood they grew up in and raised two children, Steven Martin and Amy Mollman. John was also the grandfather of Jake Martin, Zachary Martin, Ethan Mollman, Megan Mollman, Christopher Filipek, and Hailey Filipek. In addition, John is survived by his brother Richard, his children’s spouses, and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, mother, and brothers Ted and twin, Jimmy Martin.
John was a project manager with the telephone company for 37 years then worked for the school system as a bus driver. He was an active member in his community attending St. Barnabas Episcopal Church, volunteering with the Boy Scouts, and at the Port of Wilmington. Over the years, John was involved in Early Morning Riser bible study, the Conrad Alumni band, amateur ham radio, and the Civil War Round Table. He loved fishing, reading, and making people smile.
A service of remembrance will be held at 1:00 pm Saturday, February 25th at St. Barnabas, 2800 Duncan Road, Wilmington, Delaware. Those wishing to remember John in a special way or in lieu of flowers may make a gift to the Lupus Foundation or Special Olympics Delaware.
