Obituary of Donald R. Martin

Donald Robert Martin, 71, passed away on October 30th, 2023 at Geisinger Wyoming Valley. He was born to Robert and Betty Rowan Martin in Wilkes-Barre and raised in Exeter, PA.

Donnie was a loving husband, devoted father, grandfather, brother and a cherished friend to many. He is survived by wife, Jane (Missett) Martin, four sons: Christopher (Kara), Jeffrey (Megan), Bryan (Laine), and Stephen (Brittany), and five grandchildren: Brycen, Connor, Brody, Lucy and Reagan. He is also survived by sister Linda and brother William, and was preceded in death by both his parents and sister Roberta.

Throughout his life, Donnie’s unparalleled work ethic and his natural ability to make meaningful relationships left an impression on many. Starting work at a young age delivering newspapers (to just about everyone in Exeter in the 1960s, and he remembered them all for years to come), he built his career from the physically demanding work of delivering kegs and carrying shingles to establishing a long and successful career in selling all things mailing and shipping. Forming many relationships with local businesses throughout NEPA, Donnie continued to work hard to provide his clients nothing but the best. Sons Chris and Jeff would eventually join him, forming First Choice Business Solutions in Pittston in 2013.

Never afraid to get his hands dirty, he was always there, tools in-hand, like a member of the cast of “This Old House” (one of Donnie’s favorite television pastimes) to help others get things done - anything from a project around the house to a crashed computer, Donnie could handle it and he will be remembered for always being there to lend that helping hand. An active Key Club and Class Reunion Committee member for Wyoming Area Class of 1970, he went on in later years to devote time as an active member of the Pittston Kiwanis. He leaves behind a long legacy of helping others.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the staff at Second Family Memory Care Center who treated Donnie with the utmost dignity, care, and respect. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations can be made to Second Family Memory Care Center in Donnie’s memory.

A celebration to honor Donnie's life will be held on Friday, November 3rd, 2023, 5:00 to 8:00pm at Arcaro and Genell (443 South Main St, Old Forge, PA 18518). As a tribute to Donnie’s love of socializing over coffee and treats (or as he’d say, “kabitzing”), family and friends are welcome to attend, pay their respects, and share stories and memories of Donnie over refreshments. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. His memory will live on in our hearts.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Howell-Lussi Funeral Home Inc., 509 Wyoming Avenue, West Pittston.

Online condolences can be left at our website for Donnie at Howelllussi.com.