Martin F. Leyden

Martin Francis Leyden, 78, of Cranston, died January 24, 2013, at Roger Williams Hospital, with family and friends by his side, after a courageous battle with cancer. A life-long resident of Rhode Island, he was born in Providence to the late Thomas and Katherine (McGovern) Leyden. "Marty" served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and Navy Reserves from 1952 to 1960. He was the director of security for Mammoth Mart Stores, a supervisor with the RI Dept. of Corrections (training school) and Chief investigator for the RI Attorney General's Dept. He was also Administrator of the RI Department of Transportation (Registry). In addition, he owned and operated a number of diverse establishments, including Tony-Martins, the Playden, Sun Palace, and Marty Leyden's Cleaners. Most recently, he was the owner and executive director of Marty Leyden's Sunshine Creamery.Marty had a deep concern for and commitment to others in his community, and was involved in countless civic and charitable organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and Fraternal Order of Police to name just a few. His life was dedicated to the edict "Trust God. Clean house. Help others." He will be sadly missed by all, especially the countless he encouraged one day at a time.He was the brother of the late Thomas Leyden, a former Lieutenant with the Providence Police Department. He leaves a sister, Katherine "Kay" Lovatt of Providence, and a brother, retired U.S. Marshall, John J. Leyden of North Kingstown and Naples, Florida, as well as many nieces and a nephew.His funeral will be held on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at 8:30 am from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Church, 244 Smith Street, Providence. Burial with military honors at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter. Visiting hours will be Monday from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Saint Patrick Academy, 244 Smith Street, Providence, RI 02908 in Marty's memory would be appreciated.