Thomas William Martin, Jr.

Thomas William Martin Jr., 62, a resident of Essex, MD passed away on May 29th 2013.  Tom was born on April 24, 1951 in Baltimore, MD and attended Kenwood High School.  He served his country proudly in the US Navy aboard the USS St. Louis (LKA-116) during the Vietnam War.  He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal and the Vietnam Campaign Medal.  He served for 4 years and was honorably discharged on January 26th, 1973.  He went on to work at the Mass Transit Authority (MTA) retiring after 25 years.
Tom enjoyed spending time with family and friends, sang karaoke, played guitar, hung out with other members of what he affectionately called the “Liars Club” at Dunkin Donuts off of Pulaski Hwy and Rossville Blvd, as well as visited dear friends in Ocean City, MD where he crabbed, fished, and boated.  In his later years, he took pride in being an active member and former Junior Vice Commander of the VFW Post 6506.
He was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Dorothy Martin.
He is survived by his loving daughters - Angie Rucker and Kelly Jenkins; sons-in-law - Gordon Jenkins and Patrick Rucker; grandchildren - Evan, Mikara, Jaden, Savanah, Gordie, Derek, Garrett and Jenni
Sister - Jo Ann Bush; brother-in-law - Tony Bush; nephew - Duane Thomas Sr and his wife - Shannon Thomas; their children - Brittany, Duane Jr, Megan, Heather, Colby, Nikki and Aiden.
He is also survived by his uncle – Carter Tress; aunt – Jeanne Tress; cousins – Vicki, Michael, and Stacy.
Tom had a zest for life and loved his family and friends.  He didn’t take anything too seriously and loved to put a smile on everyone’s face.







FUNERAL SERVICES
The arrangements for Tom are as follows:

Bruzdzinski Funeral Home
1407 Old Eastern Avenue
Essex, MD 21221
410-686-4888

Tuesday, June 4th
3p - 5p and 7p - 9p with an 8p service.

At 7:45p, the VFW will do a brief 10 minute service.  The Funeral Services will be held immediately after starting at 8p.

The burial will be held during a private ceremony at Garrison Forest MD Veterans' Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation in Tom's name to:
VFW, Post 6506
8777 Philadelphia Road
Baltimore, MD 21237

Just as a side note, funerals are normally that classic drab funeral music, black dresses, and mourning.  We will all be hurting very much on Tuesday.  And Tom hated that funeral music and even had it turned off at his own mother's funeral.  No one likes funerals and Tom was no different.  He had said before that at his funeral, he wants people to get together, laugh and celebrate his life!  THIS would make him happy.

Please call Angie if you have any other questions at 443-570-5082.