Francis J. Martin Jr.

Francis "Frank" J. Martin, Jr., 92, of Belmont, NH, and Merrimack, NH, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer in Concord, NH, on October 18, 2024. Frank was born on July 26, 1932, in Kingston, NY, to Francis J. Martin and Sarah (Fenney) Martin.

Frank served two years in the Army during the Korean War, then returned home and attended Devry Institute of Technology in Chicago, where he earned an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics. He returned to Kingston, NY, to help his father in the family grocery business before beginning a prosperous career in his chosen field. He worked as an engineer for Hercules Powder Company, IBM, Hewlett-Packard, Teradyne, and Tautron Electronics before retiring to Belmont, NH, in 1999.

In his early retirement, Frank volunteered his time and talent to the Mr. Fix It program in Concord, NH. He became a member of the National Association for Amateur Radio, earning the highest-level license available. Known by his call sign NG1J, he volunteered at safety checkpoints for events such as the Mount Washington Road Race and the New Hampshire Marathon. Frank also enjoyed driving his Class A motorhome to and from La Belle, Florida, every winter, where he spent time with old and new friends. In his later years, he enjoyed visiting covered bridges and historical markers across New Hampshire, proudly visiting every historical marker in the state. He also cherished his annual fishing trips to Black Lake, NY, with his fishing buddies.

Frank had many hobbies and interests, including reading, photography, researching his family ancestry, cooking, and aviation, including flying drones. His greatest joy came from conversing with family, friends, and even complete strangers. He took simple pleasure in ordering Chinese takeout and chatting with folks over a glass of beer while waiting for his order.

Frank was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and dear friend to many. He thoroughly enjoyed life and was grateful for everything and everyone who was a part of it. His endlessly positive attitude and warm spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Frances "Frannie" M. (Koelble) Martin; his daughters, Kelly (Martin) Blake and her husband, Mark Blake, of Hockessin, DE; Patricia Martin and her husband, Michael Walega, of Hollis, NH; and Kim Martin and her fiancé, Jeff Shagory, of Bedford, NH. He is also survived by his sister, Jan St. Pierre, and her husband, Henry St. Pierre, of Cape Coral, Florida. Frank leaves behind his beloved grandchildren, Grace Silha, Elizabeth Silha, Ian Walega, and Devin Walega, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Phaneuf Funeral Home, located at 172 King Street, Boscawen, NH 03303. There will be an additional visitation on Thursday, October 31, 2024, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, followed by a service at 10:30 AM at the same location. The burial will take place at 12:00 PM on October 31, 2024, at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery, 110 Daniel Webster Highway, Boscawen, NH 03303.

The family wishes to thank the kind and caring people of Havenwood-Heritage Heights, and Granite VNA that took excellent care of him in his final months.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Frank's memory may be made to the Havenwood-Heritage Heights Residents' Caregiver Gifting Fund. Please make checks payable to "HHH Resident's Caregiver Account" and mail to:

Attn: Karen Juall, Resident Gifting

33 Christian Ave, #226

Concord, NH 03301

Alternatively, donations can be made to Granite VNA by visiting GraniteVNA.Org.