Thomas Addenbrook Martin Jr.

Tom was predeceased by his mother, Marilyn Reese Martin, and Dr. Thomas A. Martin Sr. He is survived by his sister, Sandra Martin, wife, Carolyn O’Connor Martin, and children, Caitlin, and Rory Martin.

Tom attended grade school in Cuyahoga Falls, OH, and later on, at Shawnee High School in Medford Lakes, NJ. He discovered a love for distance running and hiking there, which continued for several decades. Tom also had a deep love of nature, animals, and the outdoors.

In 1974, Tom enlisted in the Navy in Norfork, VA. He enjoyed traveling to various European ports and was subsequently Honorably Discharged after his years of service. Tom moved to Arizona, invited by his close friend, Tom Berry, to work in the lighting manufacturing business thereafter. Tom was a natural at welding and craftwork, with a keen eye for perfection in creating artistic lighting. This led him later to better career opportunities in Los Angeles in the lighting industry at the ELA Company. Tom rented a tiny apartment directly behind the Venice Beach boardwalk to be by the Pacific Ocean, and then train for the LA Marathon, which he successfully completed in 1987.

Tom met his wife-to-be, Carolyn in July of 1988, on a blind date to the West Hollywood Garlic Festival. With several of Carolyn’s friends in tow, Tom spotted Joni Mitchell in line next to them, and it was indeed, a testament to Tom’s ability to “notice everything” and a wonderful conversation with Joni ensued. They married a year later, and were blessed with two beautiful children, Caitlin (1990) and Rory (1994). They had several years together enjoying the beach life in Hermosa Beach, Redondo, and Venice Beach with great, dear friends.

Tom, Carolyn, and Caitlin moved to Atlanta in 1992, again invited by Tom Berry, for a good managerial job opportunity at Georgian Art Lighting in Lawrenceville, GA. Despite Tom’s success there, manufacturing in the US was waning, and Tom later found work as a project manager at Sawhorse, an upscale design/build home renovation business. He loved music greatly, and he and Carolyn saw at least 100 concerts/shows/plays together over the decades with friends and family, which were very cherished, fun moments.

Tom will be remembered for his devotion to children, Rory and Caitlin. He volunteered endlessly to coaching, fundraising and helping with Rory’s baseball events, the endless Dynamo/GA-GA swim meets for decades for both children. He enjoyed watching their top-seeded performances, and constantly woke up early driving them to the 5am early morning HS practices. Tom also believed in giving back and dedicated time to volunteering for Gwinnett County Senior Services, delivering meals to those house-bound, and in the Centerville Senior Center. His kindness, humor, and wisdom left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

A memorial service is planned for 2:00PM November 8th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to NPR.org or the Natureconservatory.org