Joseph L. Martin

1922 - 2018

April 12, 1922 - September 6, 2018 A resident of Palm Springs since 1962, Joe Martin passed away on September 6, 2018 at the age of 96. Joe was born in New York and raised in Manhattan by his parents Joe and Angie Martin. He spent time on both coasts, moving from Los Angeles to Long Island, before settling in Palm Springs. Married in 1951 to Myrra Gertzen, Joe was the proud father of his three children, Eloise, Susan and Bruce and later stepfather to Kendra Lane. He married his true life partner, Joan Martin, in 1972. They recently celebrated their 46th wedding anniversary and enjoyed a life filled with family, friends and travel. Joe was well regarded in the desert communities as a general contractor of great integrity, a builder renowned for his excellent service and exceptional quality of work. Initially a book binder, Joe spent the next 40 years developing his craft as a successful custom home builder, although at one time he considered a teaching career after obtaining his teaching credential and MA in education. He retired in 1989, after which he became an avid golfer and enjoyed painting in oils and watercolor. Joe's lifelong passion was to the United Lodge of Theosophists. He was an active member of both the New York and Los Angeles Lodges, devoting his time to the study and teaching of theosophical principles as well as serving as a managing board member. Based on its teaching he became a conscientious objector in WWII and did alternative service work with the Forest Service for the duration of the war. Joe is survived by his wife Joan, his brother Ralph and his wife Carole, his children Eloise Appel, Susan Martin and Bruce Martin, their spouses, Mark Appel, Tom Castonguay and Carolyn Costin, his grandchildren Brett and Zach Appel and great-grandchild Dylan. A true measure of a man is whether he has left the world better than when he came into it. Joe was a person people could trust and depend upon. He brought laughter and love into our lives, and he will be truly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 3 in Malibu. Email Eloise eappel@ca.rr.com for information.