SEARSPORT – Joseph J. Martin, 80, died June 9, 2012, after a brief illness. Joseph Junior Martin was born Feb. 7, 1932, in Orrington, son of Eli and Helen Martin.
He attended school in Orrington and was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, airman second class. After his time in the service he worked for Delta Chemical Co., Searsport, for 22 years, retiring in 1997. Joe was an extremely generous, giving and caring person, who loved spending time with his family and friends. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, four-wheeling and reading. He was a beloved husband, stepfather, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle, and will be dearly missed by all.
He was predeceased by his former wife of 30 years, Beatrice Overlock Martin; parents, Eli and Helen Martin; and two brothers, Arthur Martin and Camille Martin. Joe leaves behind his wife, Gloria Martin of Searsport; six stepchildren, Barbara McCall of Orlando, Fla., Linda Sprague and husband, Timothy, of Chelsea, Herman Watson Jr. and wife, Barbara, of Freedom, Donna Woodard of Winslow, Bonny York and husband, Barry, of Augusta, and Timothy Watson and wife, Nova, of Garland; four grandchildren; five very special grandchildren, Scott Woodard of Dresden, Matthew Woodard of Orlando, Fla., DeAnn Watson of Garland, Janice Watson of Garland and Wendy Dunbar of Searsport; 10 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a very special niece, Karen Minkwitz of Virginia Beach, Va.
A graveside service for Joe will be held noon June 23 at Grove Cemetery, Belfast. In lieu of flowers, the Martin family suggests memorial donations be made to Waldo County Hospice. Care for Joseph and his family has been entrusted to Riposta Funeral Home, Belfast. Online Condolences may be offered to the family at
www.ripostafh.com.