Charles Wallace Martin

Charles Wallace Martin (Charlie) of Hampton, New Hampshire went to be with the Lord in the early morning hours of 30 August 2023 after a brief illness. Charles, fondly known by those who loved him as Charlie or G-Chaz, was born to Harold and Frances Martin on the 10th of October 1932 in Boston, Massachusetts. Raised in Weston, Mass, Dad was a rambunctious young man. He was known early for his sense of humor and ability to act having found himself in many theatrical productions while attending Weston High School. He later attended Northeastern University in Boston and graduated with a BA. Soon after graduating from college, dad entered military service to our country as a LTJG in the United States Navy in 1956 where he served as pay master on the USS Okinogan. He completed his active service in 1959. He soon met Barbara Mae DeVeau on the shores of Lake Sunapee, NH and they were married in February 1960. Dad adopted mom’s daughter Wendy and then their first son, Charles W. Martin Jr. (Chip) came along later that year in September. Mom and Dad would have two more sons, Stan in 1962 and Peter in 1964. The family settled in Manchester, NH but soon moved to North Hampton, NH where they would set roots until 1986 when Peter, the last of the nest would go off to college. Dad was very involved in his children’s young lives being a big part in his kids’ school activities. Dad was a devoted father who loved taking his family on vacation to Lake Sunapee each summer. He spent most of his professional career in sales. Dad designed and sold business forms for Moore Business forms until 1982. After that he worked as a salesman at Foss Motors in Exeter, NH from 1984 to 2002. After that he retired for good at the age of 70. After our beloved mom passed away in 2003. Dad’s life changed forever when he met and fell in love with Frances Donaldson. The two were married in August of 2008 in Rye, NH. They enjoyed their retirement traveling to Europe, Hawaii, the Caribbean and spent many winters in at Naples Heritage in Naples, FL. During these winters Dad perfected his golf game and made many new friends. Dad served long and well as a grandfather figure to Frances’ 9 grandchildren enjoying many cookouts and holidays together. He is survived by his wife Frances of Exeter, NH and his four children, Wendy of Cape Neddick, ME and her husband Jim Cahill, Chip of Kingsland, GA, and his wife Corinna, Stan of Frederick and his wife Janet, MD, and Peter of Hampton, NH and his wife June. Charlie was the Grandfather to nine and the Great Grandfather to ten great grandchildren! He is predeceased by our beloved Mother Barbara, and his brothers, Harold and Richard as well as his sister Norma. Charlie held many titles in his life. Titles like coach, pack leader, mentor, husband, but his favorite was Dad and he was sure good at it. Dad loved so many things in life. From spending time on Lake Sunapee to watching The New England Patriots, to playing golf, walking his dog Nicco or just doing his precious crossword puzzles. Dad was the genuine article, and we are all far better off for having him in our lives. Dad will always be remembered for his quirky sense of humor. His “schtick” always be counted on to make you laugh and lighten the mood. He will be remembered as well for his contagious smile and warm heart. He always had things “under reasonable control” and if you were to ask how he was, he would surely respond, “fine and dandy!” in that familiar Charlie Martin way. He was surely God’s gift to us all and his passing will leave a vast hole in our hearts until we see him with Mom again in Heaven. He had a good long life and would have turned 91 next month. He made a difference in this world and is deeply missed but will never be forgotten. Dad’s funeral services will be held at St Theresa’s Catholic Church in Rye, NH on Friday September 15th at 11:00am. Guests will be warmly received at 10:00 before the service. Charlie will be laid to rest in the Martin family plot at Lakeside Cemetery, Newbury, NH at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Charlie’s name to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Charles Wallace Martin

October 10, 1932 - August 30, 2023