George R. Martis

George R. Martis passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 at home surrounded in love by his family. He was born in Linden NJ on July 24, 1930, the only child to George A. and Agnes (Eckel) Martis and was a lifelong resident.

George was an accomplished athlete, the captain of his Linden HS basketball team, an All-County player and avid bowler and tournament dart player.

He attended New Jersey State Teacher's College, later enlisting for a 4 year tour in the United States Air Force. His aircraft mechanic assignments brought him to many locations world-wide. Upon his honorable discharge in 1954, he returned home where he proposed to Angelina Olivieri, whom he met at Singer's Co. and corresponded with during his 4 years abroad. They married in 1955 and remained happily so until her passing in 2008.

George worked at Distiller's Co. LTD, Linden for 32 years and later in security at Union County Courthouse until his retirement in 1993. He was a communicant of St. Anthony's Church, Elizabeth. George was a proud member of The Knights of Columbus Linden Council #2859 and St. Anthony's Senior Club. He enjoyed many day trips to Atlantic City and family vacations in Wildwood Crest. George was an enthusiastic sports fan, especially Duke Blue Devil basketball games and the Yankees. He never missed a game on TV or an opportunity to turn off the sound, since the announcers were annoying and didn't know what they were talking about. As the stock market held a special interest to him, he would routinely watch the financial channel for hours each day.

George was a devoted and generous son, husband, father, Grandfather and Great Grandfather; always on call to help or to attend his grandchildren's ballgames. His was a life well lived, solidly based in family, humor and food. He leaves behind a loving family to carry on his legacy.

George was pre-deceased by his wife of 53 years, Angelina (Olivieri), his parents and his son-in-law Ken House. He is survived by his children Joyce and David, his grandchildren and their spouses, Megan (Carolyn) Cosden-Zak, Melissa (Sergei) Dolukhanov, Michelle (Chris) Fannell, Tyler Martis and his fiancé Rhiannon Murphy, Zachary Martis, and great-grandson Luke Cosden-Zak.

Viewing Gray Memorial Funeral Home 12 Springfield Ave, Cranford NJ, Wednesday June 24, 4:00pm-8:00pm. Funeral St Anthony's of Padua 853 3rd Ave, Elizabeth, NJ, Thursday 25 June 10:30am. If attending, please meet at church.