Patrick Vincent Martin, 85, of Westfield, Retired Attorney
Patrick Vincent Martin, 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Westfield, New Jersey, on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Brooklyn, New York, to the late Lionel and Lillian Martin, Patrick attended St. Augustine High School in Brooklyn, N.Y., and graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, N.Y., class of 1960. After a brief career in the Merchant Marine, Patrick attended Columbia Law School in New York City.
Patrick combined his love of the law and the sea by practicing admiralty law for over 40 years. He began his career at the law firm of Poles, Tublin, Stratakis and Gonzalez and then was a partner of Hill Rivkins LLP. After retiring, Patrick continued his work as an arbitrator.
Patrick met his future wife, Eileen Coyne, while taking the subway to high school. Patrick and Eileen married in Brooklyn, resided in Middlesex, N.J., and then moved to Westfield, N.J., in 1976.
Patrick is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Eileen; their four children, Kevin Martin, Brian Martin, Noreen Martin Herzog and Timothy Martin; their six grandchildren, Alexander, Margaret, Clare, Sean, Aliyah and Zola, and his sister, Frances Martin; her daughter, Gwynne Jain, and her granddaughter, Isla Frances Jain. Patrick was a dedicated participant in the USMMA Alumni Association, from which he received the Meritorious Alumni Service Award four times. Patrick and Eileen were active members in the St. Helen’s Church community for many years. Patrick also donated his time and energy to the St. Joseph Social Service Center and the York Street Project. Patrick read broadly, was an avid fisherman, and enjoyed his and Eileen’s Jersey Shore home in Lavallette, N.J., for many summers.
A visitation was held at Dooley Colonial Funeral Home, 556 Westfield Avenue, Westfield, N.J., on Tuesday, December 26, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The funeral Mass was offered at St. Helen’s Church, 1600 Rahway Avenue, Westfield, N.J., on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Helen’s Helping Hands and Hearts program, St. Joseph Social Service Center in Elizabeth, N.J., or the York Street Project in Jersey City, N.J.
December 28, 2023