Daniel Martin

Daniel Martin, age 77, of Pines Lake in Wayne, sadly and unexpectedly passed from this life on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

Born in Waldwick, the third of Eugene and Joan (Blair) Martin’s five children, Dan grew up in the family home at 319 Wyckoff Avenue. He attended St. Luke’s Grade School in Ho-Ho-Kus and graduated from Waldwick High School with the Class of 1964.

As a young boy, Danny loved making models of cars, planes, and ships. He developed many practical skills as a Boy Scout, where he also discovered a lifelong love of hiking and camping. As teenagers, he and his three brothers spent countless hours working on cars and motorcycles together. Always busy with his hands, it came as no surprise when Dan pursued a career in construction. Dan was a proud, career-long member of Union Local 3 (LIUNA) based out of Mountainside, NJ. Known for his work ethic and skill, he was highly sought after by contractors who valued his conscientious approach to the job. He never turned down overtime and was always hustling to line up side jobs, motivated by his love of the work and his deep commitment to providing for his family.

After work, there was no idle channel surfing for Dan. He’d come home around 4 PM and start his “second shift” — tackling house projects, car repairs, or yardwork until dinner. After a meal, it was shower time, maybe a beer to unwind, then bed — ready to do it all again the next day.

Dan met and married Barbara Stoll on May 3, 1970. Two years later, in 1972, they moved to Pines Lake in Wayne, where they raised their three children — Laura, Geoffrey, and Andrew.

Dan remained in that same home throughout his life. What began as a modest ranch grew over the decades into a spacious home, the result of Dan’s skill, and determination. He completed nearly every project himself — masonry, framing, roofing, windows and doors, electric, plumbing, sheetrock, hardwood floors, trim, paint, and even wallpapering. His craftsmanship extended beyond his own home; when family members took on ambitious projects, Dan was there to help. In his family, helping one another was simply understood.

A lifelong learner, Dan’s free local library became one of his greatest resources. Self-taught, he used books to master car repair, construction, and architecture and to deepen his understanding of history, wars, shipwrecks, art — and just about anything else that caught his interest. He loved visiting museums like The Metropolitan Museum of Art and studying the architecture of New York City’s most interesting buildings.

In more recent years, especially in retirement, Dan enjoyed camping adventures that took him across the country to national parks and scenic spots. His trusty Ford pickup carried all the essentials — tent, sleeping bag, lamps, firewood, bicycle, even a kayak. He relished days spent hiking, swimming, and reading by the fire. Hunting and fishing, however, he always found “too boring.”

Dan also lived by the old adage, “one man’s garbage is another man’s treasure.” He loved spotting old furniture by the curb, recognizing its potential, and restoring it to its original beauty.

Above all, Dan’s lifelong passion was cars and motorcycles. As a young man, he owned both a 1965 Ford Mustang and a 1965 Ford Fairlane, each with a straight six-cylinder engine. When winter came and the Fairlane needed a new cylinder head, Dan would swap it from the Mustang to keep the Fairlane running. Over the years, his collection grew to include his Ford pickup, a red 2005 Ford Mustang convertible, and four motorcycles — a Harley, a Triumph, an Indian, and an old BMW. Few things brought him more joy than going for a ride on a sunny day. Sadly, his final ride came this past Sunday when he was struck by an oncoming car while out on one of his bikes.

Despite his zest for life, nothing mattered more to Dan than being a devoted father. He took that responsibility seriously, volunteering with his sons’ Boy Scout troop and showing up always for his children’s activities in Pines Lake. He was an encourager, determined to equip Laura, Geoff, and Andrew with the skills they needed to live full and independent lives. From a young age, his children learned practical lessons alongside him. On Saturdays, if he was working on the car, one of them was under it too — holding the light and learning as he explained what he was doing. By age ten, they knew how to use every tool in his extensive collection. When traveling, he taught them how to read maps. He also instilled thriftiness, reminding them not to waste money, but if they did, he’d hit them with asignature line like: “If I had your money, I’d burn mine.” And, of course, no one will forget his endless puns and dad jokes.

Alright — full disclosure: Dan did watch some TV. His favorites were car and motorcycle shows, especially The Dukes of Hazzard.

Dan was the loving and supportive father of Laura Martin of Astoria, NY; Geoffrey Martin of Wayne; and Andrew Martin and his companion Christina Whelan of Closter. He was the cherished grandfather of Klaus, Elke, Olivia, and Taylor. He was the dear brother of the late Peter Martin (2010), Thomas Martin of Oregon, the late Mary Martin (1999), and Chris Martin of Ballston Spa, NY, and a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews.