VAN BUREN – Peter B. Martin, 79, died unexpectedly Aug. 14, 2011, at his residence. He was born June 20, 1932, in Van Buren, son of Joseph and Sarah (Gagnon) Martin.
He was a 1950 graduate of Van Buren Boys High School. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War, serving aboard the destroyer USS Damato DDE 871 as a radio operator. He was employed as a foreman and supervisor for Van Buren Water District for many years. He later became very active with the American Legion, Levasseur-Farrell Post No. 49 of Van Buren, serving in various offices, including commander. Peter was also very active in the local Boy Scout Troop 196, serving as troop committee chairman. Outside his family, however, his greatest pleasure was with St. Bruno Choral Society, with which he was a member for more than 46 years.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 55 years, Venette (Rioux) Martin of Van Buren; two sons, Billy Martin and his wife, Carolyn, of Auburn, and Peter Martin of Dallas; one daughter, Anne Marie Trohanovsky and husband, Tom, of Ashland, Ohio; two sisters, Theresa Brochu of Bradenton, Fla., and Celine Cochenour of Baltimore; three grandchildren, Benjamin, Dustin and Chelsea; and one great-granddaughter, Chloe.
Relatives and friends may call 6-8 p.m. Wednesday and 9 a.m. until time of service Thursday at Ouellette-Thibault Funeral Home, 118 High St., Van Buren. A funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Bruno-St. Remi Catholic Church. Committal service with military honors will be after at the parish cemetery. Those who wish may contribute in his memory to St. Bruno Choir Society, 123 Poplar St., Van Buren, ME 04785. To leave online condolences, please visit
www.ouellettefuneralhome.com.