John Daniel Martin

John Daniel (Dan) Martin passed away at his home in Bonita Springs, FL on February 3, 2026. Dan was born in Coral Gables, Florida on July 10, 1947. Preceded in death by his parents Hubert Martin and Louise Martin.

Danny, as called by his family and friends, is survived by his wife Carole of almost 40 years, they married after reuniting at their 20th year high school class reunion; his two stepsons, who he embraced as his own, Gene (Yeni) Chew and Eric (Anastasia) Chew. Beloved "Papa Danny" to eight Grandchildren, Darby, Kirrin, Aron, Isabella, Jaimes (JP), Willow, Lolo, and Lexi, and three Great-Grandchildren, Cameron, Caden and Rowan Daniel. His sisters, Carole Scarborough, and Grace (Claude) Garcia. Two dear nieces, Mary Beth (David) Turcotte and Ellen (Tod) Woody and their families.

Dan graduated from Miami Jackson High School in 1965; he was Senior Class President and lettered in Football and Basketball. Dan was a member of the trailblazing graduates of the 1970's –the first graduating classes of Florida International University where he earned a Bachelors' Degree in English Literature. Dan was an avid football fan; he loved college and professional games. A lifetime fan of his beloved Hurricane football team of the University of Miami and was quick to tell anyone about the championship teams of the (80s and early 90s) and was happy and proud of the results of this past season. He was a loyal fan of the Miami Dolphins since the very early years.

He was an avid sailor – in between working at Barket Oil and attending college, he spent a better part of five years building his 32 foot sailboat (the "Lulu") on the boatyards of the Miami River. He was proud of this accomplishment and enjoyed sailing the waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico.

Dan relocated to the coast of Mississippi in the early 80's – after marrying Carole converted to Catholicism. He began his journey as a Catholic at the tiny church in Pearlington (approximately 25 families),where he served as a lector, bookkeeper, and handyman. Carole's job brought them back to Florida- Orlando where they lived for many years until coming full circle to South Florida, settling in Bonita Springs – close to their sons and family.

Dan in a quiet way had an extraordinary love for his family. His quick sense of humor touched everyone he met – friends, family, (strangers) no one escaped his witted remarks. He filled a room with love and much joy and made everyone laugh. He will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at Saint John the Evangelist Catholica Church in Naples, FL on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 am.

For those unable to attend – it will be livestream at https://sjecc.org/funeral-mass/

If you wish to donate – Dan's favorite charity: KNOM Radio Mission, PO Box 190649, Anchorage, AK- a Catholic Radio Station that brings the Word of God to remote areas in Western Alaska –(a registered 501 (C) (3) charitable Organization.

Arrangements are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home – www.ShikanyFuneralHome.com.