Leslie "Les" M. Martin, Jr., 76, of Palmetto, FL (formally from North Plainfield and Brick, NJ), passed away on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, at home.
Les was born in Plainfield, NJ, to Leslie, Sr. and Doris Martin (Adams) on May 29, 1948. He went to high school at North Plainfield High and graduated in 1966. He went on to Serve in the United States Navy PO3 USN for 6 years.
He worked as a Superintendent of the Plainfield Joint Meeting and then Director of Public Works for the Borough of North Plainfield before retiring. Les had a passion for volunteering his time with the North Plainfield Youth Organization and Recreation Department coaching, organizing winter ice skating and annual fishing derbies in addition to being a Boy Scout leader with Troop 235. Besides these activities,
Les was a U.S. Navy veteran who served during the Vietnam War Era and was a dedicated member of American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 in Bradenton, FL, as well as Dunellen, NJ, Post 119. Over his 44 continuous years with the American Legion, he held numerous leadership positions, including Post Adjutant (1999-2000 and 2002-2003), Post Commander (2000-2002), Post Judge Advocate (since 2023), District Vice Commander (2019-2021), Department Children & Youth Chair (2019-2022), Department Sgt-at-Arms (2022-2024), and Department Historian (since the 2024 Department Convention). On a National level, Les served on the Americanism Council (2019-2022), the Children & Youth Commission (2019-2022), and the Security Council (since 2022).
He is survived by his beloved wife, Harriet A. Martin (Reidy) of 53 years. His three sons and spouses, Alan and Maria, Brian and Stacey, Christopher and Elizabeth. His six grandchildren, Justin (24), Alexander (22), Ashley (22), Kensi (12), Kaitlyn (12), Matthew (10). His brother, Jerry "Scott" and Leslie Martin, US Air Force. He is preceded in death by his brother, Alan W. Martin OE2 USN 1968, and parents, Leslie, Sr. TEC4 USA and Doris J. Martin PFC USA and stepmother, Dorothy Martin.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held on Sunday, September 15, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM, to be held at American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24, 2000 75th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. Repast to follow. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Arlington National Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to American Legion Post 24, 2000 75th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209. Please put on the memo line: Vet Relief. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to American Legion Kirby Stewart Post 24 for their support.
Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, 604 43rd Street West, Bradenton, FL 34209, is in charge of arrangements.
