Leonel J. Martin

Leonel "Leo" Joseph Martin, 93, of Lawrence, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at Lawrence General Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Born in Amesbury on June 14, 1932, to Auguste and Delia Martin, Leo moved to Lawrence at a young age. He was raised and educated in the city and began working in the mills early in life. He was later drafted into the U.S. Army during peacetime and was stationed in Germany, where he put his mechanical abilities to work repairing military equipment ranging from tanks to planes. These skills shaped the rest of his life.

Upon returning home, Leo began a long career at Borden Chemical in North Andover as a machine mechanic and line operator. Whenever something on the production line broke, Leo was the one that people counted on to make it right. After his retirement, his passion for helping others continued as he worked independently as a landscaper, always ready to lend a hand or fix anything that needed attention.

Leo met the love of his life, Pauline, when they were very young, and together they shared 67 years of marriage. They built a strong and loving family of six children. Leo will be remembered as a humble, gentle, and good-hearted man who never spoke ill of anyone. Leo was also a great lover of animals, with a special love for his dogs. You could frequently find him playing with one of the many dogs he owned in his lifetime. His easygoing nature, generosity, and quiet strength will forever be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

Leo is survived by his devoted wife, Pauline (Beaudin) Martin, of Lawrence, and their children: Darline Fortin and her husband Jerry of Chester, NH, Lionel Martin and his wife Patty of Nashua, NH, Roger Martin of Lawrence, Doreen Dutton of Pepperell, MA, and Kevin Martin of Lawrence. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Leo was predeceased by his son, Steven Martin, and his son-in-law, Nyle Dutton.

Calling hours will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Cataudella Funeral Home, 126 Pleasant Valley Street, Methuen. A service will follow at 6:00 PM in the funeral home chapel.