Paul J. Martin, 88, of Belle Valley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday August 8, 2018 at LECOM Senior Living Center. He was born in Erie on July 30, 1930 a son of the late Paul A. and Agnes Henderson Martin.

Paul graduated from Millcreek High School and worked as a farmer before serving in the United States Army for three years. He went on to work as a milkman with Sterling Milk and most recently served as Millcreek Township Supervisor for 30 years, becoming the longest serving Supervisor in township history. He built and operated Crystal Court Mobile Home Park with his sister, Eleanor, and considered all his tenants to be neighbors and friends.

He was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church and served on the Millcreek Community Hospital and Erie Water Authority Boards. He was a past President of the Pennsylvania State Supervisors Association and was a Trustee on the Board of Directors at LECOM. He was a longtime member of the Belle Valley Fire Department and numerous social and fraternal organizations. He especially enjoyed owning and piloting his own plane for nearly 30 years. Anyone expressing the remote interest soon found themselves treated to a flight.

Paul’s zest for life, eternal optimism, odd sense of humor, grace, humility, compassion, and eagerness to help anyone were his lifelong trademarks.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his daughter, Sue Ellen Martin, and his former wife and close friend, Margaret "Peg" Martin.

Survivors include his two sons, Brian P. Martin (Lori Clark) and Patrick J. Martin (Kym), all of Erie; three grandchildren, Jeanne Bruneau (Justin), Paul J. Martin II, and Edward Wieczorek (Jackie); seven great grandchildren, Presley, Lennon, Hendrix, Emery, Lucian, Atticus, and Eisley; his sister and best friend, Eleanor Dietz of Belle Valley; and generations of nieces, nephews, and extended family who loved Paul dearly.

Friends may call at the Russell C. Schmidt & Son Funeral Home Inc., 5000 Wattsburg Rd., on Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. and are invited to services there on Monday at 1:00 p.m.. Burial will be private, in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Belle Valley Volunteer Fire Department, 1514 Norcross Road, Erie, 16510, or a charity of one's choice.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the residents and staff of LECOM Senior Living for their friendship and compassionate care.

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