Harry G. Martin Sr. went on to Glory on March 11, 2021 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, NJ. He was born in Egg Harbor Township, NJ on March 16, 1935, the second of four children of Clarence and Halena Martin.
He was nicknamed "Silent" at Pleasantville High School because he was so quiet and shy. However, he excelled as a basketball star and was often featured in the Atlantic City Press. Harry attended North Carolina A & T University on a basketball scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.
He married his high school sweetheart, Frances, in 1953. That 25 year union produced 5 children, Angela, Lisa, Adrienne, Harry Giovonni, Jr. and Tina.
After teaching in Philadelphia, he was hired by the Federal Government at the Social Security Administration in Atlantic City. He retired after 40 years of service as an Area Manager in the Neptune Office.
Harry continued playing basketball throughout his life. He often played with his children's teenage friends who were a fraction of his age. He travelled with Big Bill's Old Times Basketball Team and all over the country in the Senior Olympics until he was 80 years old. Harry was a fixture on the courts at Ft. Monmouth, Ocean Township, the Old Headliner, the Boy's Club and Monmouth College.
He was predeceased by his daughter Tina, his parents, his brothers Clarence and Kenneth, son-in-law Elliot and great-granddaughter Makayla.
Surviving are his children Angela, Lisa (Dean), Adrienne, Harry Jr. (Angela), and Halena. He also leaves to mourn his sister Lenore; grandchildren Sherie, Corey, Christina, Alana, Noah and Zoe and great-grandchildren Mariah, Daniel Jr. and Corey Jr. and a host of nieces and nephews.
Harry was a kind, witty and smart man. But more than anything he was a wonderful father and friend. He will be missed and remembered always for his soft heart and compassion.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 15:58
Hi Cousin, thank you for your kind words. We have such fond memories of the summers you and Stacey spent with us. Your ‘Goo Harry’ loved his nieces! Love you all.
A Beautiful Soul…… Uncle Harry was a very kind and gentle, soft spoken, and big hearted man who loved his family dearly. You always felt loved when being around him. As a child, I looked forward to our summers in Neptune. Joyous memories of basketball playing, ice cream floats, popcorn, bike riding, laughter, and just quality time with Uncle Harry. Thank you for the beautiful and everlasting memories Uncle Harry, you will forever be in my heart. Rest easy, you are truly loved.
I am so sorry to hear about Harry. I have many fond memories speaking with him at Bayberry Ct. He was a wonderful father to Halena, Melissa and Jenny and was loved and cared for by his wife, Kim for many, many years. I’m confused as to why I’m not seeing this recognized but am praying for your family and wishing eternal peace for Harry.