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October 4, 2023
Services
Friends may visit with the family from 2-6pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd, Wayne, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 5:30pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the funeral home during the visiting hours.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Matthew Martin, age 70, of West Caldwell, NJ. Gerald passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.
Gerald was born in Queens, NY and was one of four children to Francis and Margaret Martin. Those who knew Gerald best, came to know him affectionately as “Jerry.” Jerry was living in Queens with his family until about the age of six years old when his family moved to the Lion’s Head section of Wayne. It was in Wayne where Jerry would spend his formative years, attending Wayne Hills High School.
Following Jerry's graduation from high school with the class of 1971, he found work quickly in the drafting department at American Cyanamid in Wayne. After working there for a couple of years, Jerry joined the team at New Jersey Bell employed as a Lineman. New Jersey Bell eventually became Atlantic Bell and later Verizon. Although Jerry worked in the company’s office for a short time, the bulk of his career was spent as a Lineman installing fiber optic cable. He spent many an afternoon enjoying his lunch hours at the Haledon Pork Store. One of his most memorable days at work was his “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day,” where Jerry got stuck in the bucket of his boom truck while his daughter Alyson patiently waited for her family to rescue her. Jerry’s career as a Lineman spanned over a period of forty years. During that time, he was truly well respected and loved by his colleagues and peers. Jerry eventually retired in 2013. He remained active in retirement occasionally consulting and helping his son Nicholas’ contracting business. He was also an accomplished carpenter and worked on various projects while employed as a Lineman.
He married his first wife Joyce Johnson in 1979. The couple settled in Hawthorne and while residing there they welcomed the births of both their children, Alyson and Nicholas. While his children were growing up, he also coached their soccer teams. Unfortunately, the couple split up. Then in 2002 Jerry met the love of his life, Deborah Reynolds. As fate would have it, they fell in love, got engaged in 2004 in Cozumel, then August 26, 2006, they became husband and wife. Jerry and Deborah, settled in West Caldwell and have been there ever since.
Jerry and Deborah are both true animal lovers. They have had a total of 5 dachshunds at different times in their twenty-one and a half year relationship; the most they have had is three at the same time when they first met in 2002. Presently, they share their home with "Remy", age 71/2. Since Martin is Jerry's family name, it was a no-brainer adopting "Remy Martin"!
Jerry was a member of the Verizon Pioneers. He also performed beach clean-ups at the Jersey Shore throughout the years with Bell Atlantic. Jerry and Deborah treasured traveling to a number of exotic destinations. Most all the destinations they travelled to included a beach. They cherished cruising to places throughout the Caribbean and to Mexico including Riviera Mya. They also loved tailgating together, never missing an NY Giants home game at the Meadowlands as they were season ticket holders.
Jerry was an “Old School” type of individual, having a close friendship with his barber in town. For many years he stood as a pillar of strength in his neighborhood. He was extremely proud of his Irish Heritage and devoutly celebrated St Patrick’s Day, and cherished listening to the bagpipes. Jerry could always be found helping his neighbors, cutting their lawns, shoveling their snow, or lending a hand whenever needed. He was extremely talented with his hands and could fix just about anything at all. He loved listening to music and attending live concerts such as: Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac and Credence Clearwater Revival, to name a few.
As a toddler, Jerry was an “Ivory Soap Baby”, frequently appearing in television commercials and magazine ads. When not helping his neighbors, Jerry could often be found washing and maintaining his cars. One of his first and favorite cars was his brown Datsun 280Z. Not only did Jerry enjoy maintaining his cars, but also his personal home/deck and his portable grill used while tailgating. He was known to family and friends as the “Grill-master.” In addition to being an expert griller, Jerry was also famous for his talent to cook an outstanding breakfast, particularly Pancakes and French Toast. Although Gerry worked a lot with his hands, you would never know it because his hands and nails were always clean and incredibly soft.
Aside from all of Jerry's talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Jerry than providing for and spending time with friends and family. Jerry and Deborah cherished seventeen years of loving and loyal marriage.
Jerry was a kind, gentle, and quiet man who truly loved his family. He was loved throughout his community and his profession. He had an understated humble personality and a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could bring a smile to anyone’s face. Jerry was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Jerry is survived by his wife Deborah (nee Reynolds) of West Caldwell, NJ, his son Nicholas Martin of Sparta, NJ, his daughter Alyson Payerl and her husband Christopher of Sparta, NJ, two brothers; Bill Martin and his wife Janet of Franklin Lakes, NJ, and Jack Martin and his wife Debbie of Wayne, NJ, one sister Eileen Joyce and her husband Bob of Wayne, NJ, and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Francis and Margaret Martin.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s name may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place, Memorial Processing, Memphis TN 38105.
If you would like to send a private condolence directly to the family use this condolence section.
Friends may visit with the family from 2-6pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd, Wayne, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 5:30pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the funeral home during the visiting hours.
October 4, 2023
Services
Friends may visit with the family from 2-6pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the Vander May Wayne Colonial Funeral Home, 567 Ratzer Rd, Wayne, NJ. A funeral service will be held at 5:30pm on Sunday, October 8, 2023 at the funeral home during the visiting hours.
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gerald Matthew Martin, age 70, of West Caldwell, NJ. Gerald passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 while receiving the loving care of his family.
Gerald was born in Queens, NY and was one of four children to Francis and Margaret Martin. Those who knew Gerald best, came to know him affectionately as “Jerry.” Jerry was living in Queens with his family until about the age of six years old when his family moved to the Lion’s Head section of Wayne. It was in Wayne where Jerry would spend his formative years, attending Wayne Hills High School.
Following Jerry's graduation from high school with the class of 1971, he found work quickly in the drafting department at American Cyanamid in Wayne. After working there for a couple of years, Jerry joined the team at New Jersey Bell employed as a Lineman. New Jersey Bell eventually became Atlantic Bell and later Verizon. Although Jerry worked in the company’s office for a short time, the bulk of his career was spent as a Lineman installing fiber optic cable. He spent many an afternoon enjoying his lunch hours at the Haledon Pork Store. One of his most memorable days at work was his “Bring Your Daughter to Work Day,” where Jerry got stuck in the bucket of his boom truck while his daughter Alyson patiently waited for her family to rescue her. Jerry’s career as a Lineman spanned over a period of forty years. During that time, he was truly well respected and loved by his colleagues and peers. Jerry eventually retired in 2013. He remained active in retirement occasionally consulting and helping his son Nicholas’ contracting business. He was also an accomplished carpenter and worked on various projects while employed as a Lineman.
He married his first wife Joyce Johnson in 1979. The couple settled in Hawthorne and while residing there they welcomed the births of both their children, Alyson and Nicholas. While his children were growing up, he also coached their soccer teams. Unfortunately, the couple split up. Then in 2002 Jerry met the love of his life, Deborah Reynolds. As fate would have it, they fell in love, got engaged in 2004 in Cozumel, then August 26, 2006, they became husband and wife. Jerry and Deborah, settled in West Caldwell and have been there ever since.
Jerry and Deborah are both true animal lovers. They have had a total of 5 dachshunds at different times in their twenty-one and a half year relationship; the most they have had is three at the same time when they first met in 2002. Presently, they share their home with "Remy", age 71/2. Since Martin is Jerry's family name, it was a no-brainer adopting "Remy Martin"!
Jerry was a member of the Verizon Pioneers. He also performed beach clean-ups at the Jersey Shore throughout the years with Bell Atlantic. Jerry and Deborah treasured traveling to a number of exotic destinations. Most all the destinations they travelled to included a beach. They cherished cruising to places throughout the Caribbean and to Mexico including Riviera Mya. They also loved tailgating together, never missing an NY Giants home game at the Meadowlands as they were season ticket holders.
Jerry was an “Old School” type of individual, having a close friendship with his barber in town. For many years he stood as a pillar of strength in his neighborhood. He was extremely proud of his Irish Heritage and devoutly celebrated St Patrick’s Day, and cherished listening to the bagpipes. Jerry could always be found helping his neighbors, cutting their lawns, shoveling their snow, or lending a hand whenever needed. He was extremely talented with his hands and could fix just about anything at all. He loved listening to music and attending live concerts such as: Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Elton John, Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac and Credence Clearwater Revival, to name a few.
As a toddler, Jerry was an “Ivory Soap Baby”, frequently appearing in television commercials and magazine ads. When not helping his neighbors, Jerry could often be found washing and maintaining his cars. One of his first and favorite cars was his brown Datsun 280Z. Not only did Jerry enjoy maintaining his cars, but also his personal home/deck and his portable grill used while tailgating. He was known to family and friends as the “Grill-master.” In addition to being an expert griller, Jerry was also famous for his talent to cook an outstanding breakfast, particularly Pancakes and French Toast. Although Gerry worked a lot with his hands, you would never know it because his hands and nails were always clean and incredibly soft.
Aside from all of Jerry's talents, hobbies, and interests, his greatest passion was for his family. Nothing in the world meant more to Jerry than providing for and spending time with friends and family. Jerry and Deborah cherished seventeen years of loving and loyal marriage.
Jerry was a kind, gentle, and quiet man who truly loved his family. He was loved throughout his community and his profession. He had an understated humble personality and a wonderfully dry sense of humor that could bring a smile to anyone’s face. Jerry was a truly special person who touched the lives of many people and will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Jerry is survived by his wife Deborah (nee Reynolds) of West Caldwell, NJ, his son Nicholas Martin of Sparta, NJ, his daughter Alyson Payerl and her husband Christopher of Sparta, NJ, two brothers; Bill Martin and his wife Janet of Franklin Lakes, NJ, and Jack Martin and his wife Debbie of Wayne, NJ, one sister Eileen Joyce and her husband Bob of Wayne, NJ, and many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Francis and Margaret Martin.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerry’s name may be made to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St Jude Place, Memorial Processing, Memphis TN 38105.
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