Dennis Martin

Dennis James Martin, age 81, of Cedar Grove, passed Monday, March 24, 2025.

He was born to James and Irene Martin in Brooklyn, NY.  When he was about seven years old the family moved to Clifton.  He graduated from Clifton High School with the Class of 1961.  During his high school years he was a pitcher on the baseball team and learned to play the piano. Dennis continued his education at Montclair State Teacher’s College where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education. He later continued his education at the University of Maryland where he received his Doctorate Degree in Education.

In his early years, Dennis worked as a helper in an auto repair shop in Clifton. He began his teaching career in Paramus and Passaic, later teaching in Maryland. He also spent time working in the aerospace industry, where he specialized in drafting and mechanical drawings. Eventually, Dennis returned to education, teaching in East Orange and then West Orange, before retiring in 2007.

Dennis was a complex and vibrant soul—moody at times, but undeniably brilliant. He had a sharp mind and a quick wit that made his company unforgettable. A natural performer, Dennis was a talented dancer and singer, and skilled with a piano. He had a deep love for comedy and could light up a room with his spot-on imitations and infectious laugh. Fun-loving at heart, Dennis was the kind of person who brought energy and joy wherever he went. He adored movies, music, and his friends.

Dennis was the loved brother of Robert Martin and his wife Jennifer of Cedar Grove; cherished uncle of Cynthia and Dan Valeri of New Windsor, NY and Tim and Iris Martin of Olethe, KS; he was the dearly loved great-uncle of Dominic and Nico Valeri and Mya and Noah Martin.

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