Obituary of Christopher Martin

Christopher John Martin died on Thursday Jan. 15, 2009 at his home in Gladstone after a courageous battle with ALS. He was 45. He was born in Morristown and resided in Gladstone with his family for most of his life. Chris graduated in the Class of 1981 from Bernards High School and completed his secondary school at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Communications degree. Chris spent his professional career in Sales with organizations such as MCI, ABC Radio and Qwest Communications. Chris loved Peapack-Gladstone. His presence was felt by all, young and old. He served on the Gallo Committee and was an active member of the Recreation Department and also coached various sports teams. Because of his love of sports, he founded the Somerset Hills Garden State Soccer League for Men, which is still active. Because of his unending strength and courage over the past eight years, he is an inspiration to all. His family and friends will also remember his sense of humor, smile and humility. As quoted, "he was a person who enjoyed every moment he had, made people smile; gave of himself, possessed a terrific sense of humor, and not a "crossed word" could be said about him." He was also a loving husband and father. He is survived by his wife Jacquelyn Ihnken Martin of Gladstone, three sons; Nicholas, Andrew and Ben, one daughter Samantha. He is the son of Rosemarie Martin and the late Robert Martin of Gladstone. He is also survived by his five sisters Denise Adams of Ohio, Michelle Conover of Bernardsville, Jeanmarie Foisie of Connecticut, Jacky McCue of Vermont and Suzanne Pillsbury of Maine and many caring sisters and brothers in-law. There are also twenty six nieces and nephews that will miss his enthusiasm and spirit for life. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 1-5 pm at the Bailey Funeral Home, 176 Main St. Peapack. The Funeral Mass will be, Monday 10:30am at St. Brigid Church, Peapack. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Basking Ridge. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Martin Family Trust at P.O. Box 107, Gladstone, NJ 07934 or the Peapack & Gladstone First Aid Squad at 1 St. Lukes Ave., in Gladstone, NJ 07934.