RONALD W. MARTIN ( the Chief ) left this earthly world on Friday, November 29, 2013. Born in Atlantic City on April 17, 1930 he lived in several locations until settling as a resident of Mays Landing for the past 56 years. He joined the Military in 1948 and served as a Navy Seamen aboard the USS Tanner. He was Honorably Discharged in 1951. He was a member of the Twp. of Hamilton Police department for 31 years reaching the rank of Chief of Police in 1980 and served as the Chief until his retirement in 1995. He was credited with many achievements during his tender as Chief and was instrumental in starting programs such as Officer Phil, D.A.R.E. started the 1st K-9 unit in the Twp., among others.
He was also instrumental in starting a neighborhood Watch Program, Hug a Bear program to mention a few. He served as a Marine Police Officer on Lake Lenape. It is undisputed that he worked tirelessly serving and protecting the citizens of the Twp. He was a life member of the Mays Landing Rescue Squad where he initiated and developed the first underwater search and rescue team in the area. He was a member of the Atlantic County Chief of Police Assoc. serving as President 1983, 1989 & 1990. He was also member of the International Police Chief’s Assoc. for 10yrs. And the South Jersey Police Chiefs Assoc. where he was a member for 14 yrs serving as President 1991 & 1992.
Throughout the years, he continued his education and earned an Associate’s degree in Law Enforcement with a GPA of 4.0 from Atlantic Cape Community College. He was a Member and Past Master of Unity Masonic Lodge No 96 F. & A.M. serving as Master of the Lodge during the bicentennial yr. of 1976. He served as Lodge Historian for many years. He was one of the co-founders of the Buckshot gunning club where he was an avid hunter and enjoyed spending time hunting with his sons, grandson and nephews. Before his employment with the Twp. Police department, he worked for the A&P from 1953 to 1965 as a butcher; he enjoyed using his skills to butcher deer for all the local gunning clubs.
Predeceased by his Son Randy Martin, He is survived by his loving Wife Norma (Toby) (Wescoat) Martin of 63yrs,. Son Robert Martin wife Donna of Buena NJ , Daughter Rhonda (Martin) Petruzzi Husband David of Mays Landing NJ, Grandchildren: Shannon Martin(Wife Lashelle), Rachael Martin, Jenny Petruzzi, Laura (Petruzzi) Findeison (Husband Jason), Holly Petruzzi and 6 Great Grandchildren and his many nieces and nephews…
A Viewing will be held on Thursday, December 5th, from 7-9pm, at the Boakes Funeral Home, 6050 Main St., Mays Landing, where a Masonic Services will be held prior to the viewing at 6:45pm.
A viewing will also be held on Friday from 10-11am, followed by services at 11am, at the Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Atlantic County Veterans Cemetery of Estell Manor.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Unity Lodge No. 96 F & AM. PO Box 1582, Mays Landing, NJ 08330 (or) St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105