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Martin Russell Kester

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Martin Kester Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jul. 7, 2024.

Martin Russell Kester, 73, passed away peacefully at home on July 4, 2024, in Belvidere, NJ. Born on February 24, 1951, in Anchorage, Alaska, Martin lived a full life marked by generosity, humor, and a love for his family.

He was the son of the late Dolores Kester (Ryan) and the late Ernest Kester and grew up an army brat moving between several different states across the country. It was at the final army base at Fort Monmouth, NJ where he met his first wife, the late Anita Kester. They eventually married and together had 3 children and raised them in Hackettstown, NJ.

Martin's zest for life was evident in his interactions. No one remained a stranger for long around him, as he had the unique ability to transform first meetings into a mutual exchange of life stories. He treasured his friends as family and kept track of everyone throughout the years. He loved to laugh and had a knack for recounting tales that brought smiles and laughter to those around him.

He is survived by his children, Michele Ike, Martin Kester, his wife Julie, Julie Heymach and step-daughter Margaret Puleo. "Big Grandpa" to Gavin, Emma, Anita, Allison, Owen, Natalie and Hannah. He is also survived by his sister in-law Carolyn Felix, brother Michael Ryan, sister in-law Maureen and his nieces Katie, Kerry & the late Kelly.

Martin later remarried and was predeceased by Linda Kester and after 23 years of marriage, Earlene Kester. It was after Earlene passed away that Martin converted to the Mormon faith and was dedicated to that process up until his passing.

It would be an understatement to say that Martin had a passion for genealogy, dedicating many hours to tracing and expanding his family tree. His discoveries were not only a source of personal joy but a treasure he loved sharing with others.

The Cochran Funeral Home in Hackettstown, NJ, is assisting the Kester family during this time. Martin's life and legacy will be remembered and celebrated by all who knew him.
Visitation will be on Friday, July 12th from 4-8 p.m. at
Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ, 07840

A church service will be held on Saturday, July 13th at 10 a.m. at
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
156 Mountain Road, Ledgewood, NJ 07852

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Recent Activity

July 2, 2025

Charmaine Snowden posted to the memorial.

July 2, 2025

Kathleen Moyer posted to the memorial.

July 13, 2024

Grace posted to the memorial.

20 Entries

Charmaine Snowden

July 2, 2025

i can't believe it's been a year. i miss his phone calls and the conversions we had. i always think of martin. R.I.P my cousin

Kathleen Moyer

July 2, 2025

I cannot believe that Marty has been gone for one year. The time has passed quickly but there is never a day when I don't think of him or miss his voice. He was such a great friend and I will cherish forever the privilege I had of knowing him.

I thank God every single day that Marty told so many stories because I think of many of them that he shared. He had a very interesting life full of adventures which he spoke of with his very unique touch of humor.

Thank you, Marty for the joy you brought to everyone lucky enough to know you. Your friendship was a treasure!

I know you are making heaven a brighter place; sharing stories; making people smile and spending your time with your loved ones that waited for you to join them again!!

In our hearts forever!!

Kathy

Grace

July 13, 2024

Martin will be remembered for his delightful sense of humor and joy about him. He has a gift of charm about him that will long be remembered.

Marisol

July 12, 2024

I will always remember his dedication for the well being of his step daughter Margaret Puleo. He will constantly call the group home she used to live to make sure she had all she needed. He will be missed.
Marisol Dosamantes

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Mary Ellen, Sarah and Peter

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Martin Miller

July 10, 2024

Marty and I are cousins, one of my early reminiscences with Marty I believe I was probably about 10 years old and he and Michael were going to show me how to block a guy in football. Well let me tell you, he blew me up more than a dozen times ,left me on the seat of my pants but he would come over and stick out his hand and help me up. Marty had a zest for life ,even after losing 3 wives and having his leg removed, he still had a great sense of humor. At Christmas he was in his glory at the kitchen table at my brother David´s house telling stories and having us all falling down with laughter. I will miss our talks about what distant relatives he found in Ireland and how are family tree was growing. Until we meet again Cuz. Heaven just got a new angel and a funny one at that. Love, the other Marty

The Miller Family

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Katie Taber (ne Lewis)

July 8, 2024

After I first heard about his passing I was immediately taken back to summer as teenager and when Martin, Anita and the kids came down to camp at the Williamsburg KOA. I remember going up there with Mom (Tricia), Dad (Roy) and Brandol and eating dinner, hiding in the RV and just loving life.

That's what it felt like to be around him (when I was a kid) or talk to him (as an adult) - he always made me just love life a little bit more. It's been ages since I thought about those times and while I am sad for this news, those are memories I will always cherish of Cousin Marty and the Kester's.

Eileen Suarez

July 7, 2024

After losing the ability to walk he never lost his sense of humor and desire to help others. He was a bright light to others.

Sheila McDaid

July 7, 2024

Marty and I connected through DNA on Ancestry. com and pieced together that his great grandmother, Margaret (McLaughlin) Ryan from County Donegal, Ireland and my great grandmother, Grace (McLaughlin - AKA Noone) Long were sisters. Margaret emigrated to Pennsylvania in the U.S. and Grace remained at Larahirl, County Donegal Ireland.

Although we never met in person; I´m north of Boston, MA, Marty and I talked for hours at a time on the phone about our ancestors.

I immediately felt a connection to his warm soul. He made me laugh quite often. It was clear that family meant the world to him, mentioning his parents, his brother Michael, his late wives and his children and grandchildren often. Rest in Peace cousin Marty - you now will meet all the souls you researched about and I know they are welcoming you home.
Love,
Sheila McDaid

Matt and Donna Urbanek

July 7, 2024

Marty and I were cousins. He had a zest for life that could not be matched by anyone. He loved his family and friends deeply. We would chat for hours on the phone until my phone battery would give out I shall miss the phone calls but mostly him. Heaven has a new angel. Rest in peace, Marty. I love and will miss you. Condolences to y,our family, you all shall be in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Donna

Kathy Moyer

July 7, 2024

Marty Kester was and always will be one of the dearest friends I have ever had.

He was a big man with a very big heart. His generosity, kindness, compassion for others, sense if humor and love of family were the traits so apparent to anyone who knew him.

I cannot even imagine losing my spouse to cancer yet Marty lost 3 wives to this dreaded disease. His heartache is hard to put into words yet he often spoke of each of his wives with love and respect always.

His children and his grandchildren were the joy of his life.

Marty loved doing geneology work and spend hours upon hours doing research for himself and for others. I cannot tell you how many times he stayed up all night long finding information and putting together the history of families. I would end many calls telling him not to stay up all night. Did he listen? Occasionally!!

There were always stories to tell of places he had lived, jobs he had held, friendships that extended throughout his life, stories of his children over the years. He was never without a new story and he made me laugh at many of his adventures. He certainly was an original and I am so happy to have been there to witness it all.

We spoke every day for the past 2 years and I will definitely miss his voice, his opinions, his guidance and his fabulous laugh!

I know Marty has made heaven a bit brighter by just being there. He is in the presence of those he loved so dearly on this earth.

Thank you, Marty for your amazing friendship. I have been blessed beyond measure!

My deepest sympathy to your family who were lucky enough to call you their own. Your friends also feel the loss of your presence but will cherish every precious memory of the times you shared.

Rest in peace, Marty, until we meet again.

Kathy Moyer