David D. Martin, 82, of Londonderry, NH died January 23, 2007 at his residence surrounded by his loving family. He was born on August 15, 1924 in Worcester, MA, a son of the late Leroy and Blanche (Hayes) Martin. He served twenty years in the U.S. Navy. Following his Honorable discharge, he was employed as a repair technician for the Smith-Holden Co. of Manchester and later as the head custodian at the Matthew Thornton Elementary School in Londonderry. Mr. Martin was a Life Member of the VFW, Post 1617 of Derry and had served as commander of the Londonderry VFW Post. He loved camping and fishing.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jane (Harding) Martin of Londonderry; three daughters, Deborah Smart, Laura Handschumaker and Paula Leahy, all of Manchester; two sons, David J. Martin of Bow, NH and James T. Martin, serving with the US Navy in Kailua, Hawaii; 12 grandchildren, including Jessica Trimble of Londonderry who provided care in his final illness; five great grandchildren; a brother Paul Martin of Missouri. He was known as PaPa or Grand Dad by his grandchildren and “Matey” by his friends.
Following cremation, a memorial visitation was held on Thursday, January 25th from 6 to 8 PM in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A graveside service was held Friday at 1 PM at the N.H. Veterans Cemetery, Boscawen, NH. A gathering was held at the Derry VFW, 18 Railroad Ave., Derry following the service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Elliot Regional Cancer Center, Dept. of Radiation Oncology, 1 Elliot Way, Manchester NH 03103.