Donald L. Martin

LEWISTON — Donald L. Martin, 86, of Lewiston, died Monday, March 5, at St. Mary’s Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lewiston on Oct. 25, 1931, he was the son of Joseph and Adeliane Gosselin Martin. Educated locally, he was a graduate of St. Dominic High School, Class of ’50. On May 30, 1952, he married the former Rita M. Boisvert. Mrs. Martin passed away in 2009. A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the U.S. Army and was discharged with the rank of Sgt. 1st Class, E-6, and received the Korean War Service Medal. Following his discharge, he returned to Lewiston and worked for many years as grocery manager at Bonneau’s Supermarket.

Always very athletic, he loved sports. In his younger years, he played amateur baseball with local teams, such as Bates Mfg., Pastime Club, RI Mitchell and the Twin City All-Stars. He was a co-founder of the L&A Cardiac Hockey Club, and played hockey well into his 60s. He was very active in local youth sports, especially baseball and hockey. He served as coach, officiated, and was a referee with the parochial youth hockey league, and was a co-founder of the Lions Youth Hockey Tournament. Don was instrumental in setting up the Colt League for baseball, and served as a Little League marshal. He was also a coach, official, and umpire with youth Little League baseball with South Lewiston, New Auburn, and Eliott. Don enjoyed volunteering and spending time with family. A member of Holy Cross Church, Prince of Peace Parish, he was a proud member of the Adorers from Prince of Peace. He was also a member of the American Legion, Post 22.

Survivors include two sons, Joseph of Lewiston, and Raymond and wife Kim of Augusta, three daughters, Diane and husband Charles Charpentier of Rochester, N.H., Denise Martin and partner Cynthia Varrell of Poland Spring, and Irene and husband Hunter Peaslee of Somerville; a sister, Lorraine Samson of Auburn, 15 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

Besides his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Anne Parent, a brother, Gerard, and a sister, Florence Chandonnet.

Donations, condolences and a video tribute may be found online at www.albert-burpee.com.