William B. Martin, Jr.
William B. Martin, Jr., 96, husband of the late Peggy (Betters) Martin died on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at Masonic Healthcare Center. Mr. Martin was born July 24, 1913 in New Haven, son of the late William B. and Eleanor (Wimshurst) Martin Sr. Until his retirement Bill worked as an electrician for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in North Haven. He was a 65 year member and Past Master of the Masonic Meridian Lodge #77 where he twice served as Dad of DeMolay. Bill is survived by four daughters and their spouses, Judith and Robert Karle of Middlefield, Vicki Edwards and John Wood of Agawam, MA, Christine Martin and Anthony Mazzariello of Brooklyn, NY, and Shirley and James Anderson of Meriden, ten grandchildren, Michael, Darcy, Pauline, Michelle, Jennifer, Hillary, Anna, Megan, Martin and Emma as well as five great-grandchildren, Richard, David, Avelyn, Zachary, and Luke. He was predeceased by his sister, Florence Bickett of Bloomington, Illinois. Memorial service honoring Bill's life will be held on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at the Masonic Healthcare Center third floor Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Masonicare Healthcare Center, 22 Masonic Ave., Wallingford, CT 06492, Masonicare Home Health & Hospice, 33 No. Plains Industrial Road, Wallingford, CT 06492 or to Masonic Meridian Lodge #77 for a DeMolay scholarship established in his name, 112 East Main St., Meriden, CT 06450. The Beecher & Bennett-Flatow Funeral Home, 48 Cook Ave., Meriden is in charge of the arrangements. The Martin family wishes to thank the dedicated and compassionate employees and volunteers of the Masonic Healthcare and Hospice for the wonderful, loving care given to their father.
To all Bill’s Family our deepest sympathy at your sad loss. We knew Bill and Peg ever since they visited our B&B in Blackpool in 1980 and saw them several times after that in the US and UK. They were special to us and we felt like one of their large family. Bill visited our Lodges over here and I visited his in CT. Our two families became firm friends and the only problem was that there was a big ocean dividing us. However, that ocean didn’t prevent us from ever thinking about one another. Anyone who came into contact with Peg & Bill were honoured to be their friends. They were special and will be remembered for ever. May the GAOTU keep you in his arms forever.