Martin, Earl E.

Ret. Coast Guard Commander Earl E. Martin, age 80, of Wilmington, died Saturday, September 6, 2008, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born April 16, 1928, in Reading, MA, son of the late Edward & Lucy Martin. He grew up in Reading and was a graduate of Reading High School Class of 1946. Following High School, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard and embarked on a 37 year career that stationed him all over the United States, Korea, Japan, and the Virgin Islands. Having honorably served the country during the Korean and Vietnam Wars Earl retired as a Commander in 1973 and moved to Wilmington where he resided until his death. Following his retirement from the Coast Guard, Earl was employed as an electronic technician for many years. In his spare time Earl enjoyed gardening, yard work, and reading.

He was the beloved husband of Ellie M. (Parker) Martin, with whom he would have celebrated 52 years of marriage on September 22nd of this year. He was the devoted father of Patti Hopkins & her husband James of Simpsonville, So. Carolina, and Michael E. Martin of Wilmington, loving grandfather of Connor & Kalie Hopkins, dear brother of Leland Martin of Reading and Grace Grover of No. Reading, Earl is also survived by several nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, Inc., 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Thursday, September 11th at 9:00 a.m. followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Dorothy’s Church, Main St., Wilmington at 10:00 a.m. Interment Wildwood Cemetery, Wilmington. Visiting hours Wednesday, September 10th from 4-8 p.m.

Memorial donations in Earl’s name may be made to Local Heroes Inc., P. O. Box 536, Wilmington, MA 01887.

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