Edward R. Martin

Edward R. Martin, age 92, of Raritan Township NJ, died Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at Independence Manor in Flemington, surrounded by his family. Born March 31, 1929 in Paterson NJ, Ed was the youngest of ten children to the late Otto and Lillian Blumer Martin. He lived much of his early life in Paterson and later moved to North Haledon NJ. After graduation from Hawthorne High School, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served his country for three years. Upon his honorable discharge from his military service, Ed attended and graduated from the NJ State Police Academy, where he began the career that would define him. Starting out as a State Police Trooper, Ed was promoted many times until his retirement at the age of 56 as a Major and the Head of Division Staff Section. This work involved many areas including Internal Affairs investigations, Executive Protection and other high-level security details. After retirement from the State Police, Ed did some work as a driver for many local professionals and businesses, including the late Charlie Mergentime and Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, to name a few. While a young man, Ed had dreamed of one day owning a 1931 ‘Model A’ automobile, but his family and work priorities made that dream difficult. Finally, in his early 80’s, Ed was able to finally own that dream. He would often drive the car in the Flemington area with his grandchildren in the rumble-seat, showing it off at car shows and was incredibly proud of the many top car show awards that were presented to him. A true gentleman, Ed’s true passion was his family. His favorite pastimes included working on his farm tending to horses, and his vegetable and flower gardens, however, his real love was his late wife, Eileen, and his daughter, son-in-law and his three grandchildren that brought him the most joy. In addition to his parents and siblings, Ed was predeceased by his wife of sixty four years, Eileen Godown Martin in 2019 and his son, Edward R. Martin, Jr., in 2006. Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Erin and Jerry Kalajian, of Flemington, NJ; and his three grandchildren: John, Eva, and Julie Kalajian. Family and friends can visit from 11:00 am until 12:30 pm followed by a memorial service to celebrate Ed's life at 12:30 pm on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street in Flemington. Interment will then follow in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Flemington. Memorial contributions in Ed's name may be made to Independence Manor at Hunterdon, 188 State Route 31, Flemington NJ 08822. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Please visit www.holcombefisher.com for further information, or to send condolences.