David Francis Martin

David Francis Martin, age 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on July 15, 2026. Born on July 27, 1939, in Detroit, to Paul and Helen Martin, he grew up with four sisters (Paula, Elena, Nancy and Janice) and a brother (Steve) in nearby Lincoln Park.

After high school, he attended Michigan Technological University and in 1962 left with a degree in Civil Engineering, and a lieutenant’s commission in the United States Army.

That same year, he was introduced to Dorothy Elliott, the daughter of a baker, from Trenton. Their subsequent courtship resulted in marriage in August 1963, followed by his last posting at Camp A.P. Hill, near Bowling Green, Virginia.

In 1965, with their first son, Chris, in tow, the new family moved back to Michigan and civilian life. After the Army, David started what would be a 20-year career with the Chrysler Corporation, working at the Proving Grounds in Chelsea, and later at their Trenton Chemical facility.

In 1969, with a second son, Andy, recently arrived, and a daughter, Holly, on the way, David began construction of a house in the Chelsea countryside in 1969.

The house quickly became a home as his young family grew up. He loved telling off-the-cuff stories to his kids on nights by the fireplace, and wrestling with them on Friday nights, at least until they got too big. In the early years, David hosted impromptu musical jam sessions with friends and neighbors, fueled in part by the homemade apple wine he had learned how to make.

David was active in the local chapter of the Jaycees, was a Cub Scout pack leader, and became a life-long, enthusiastic amateur radio operator (call signs WB8ZAR and later, W4DFM), getting his first license in 1976. He was also active outdoors, fishing, hunting, and cross-country skiing most notably.

In 1981, David accepted a Plant Engineer position with Allied Corporation (later, AlliedSignal) at a phenol chemical plant in the Frankford area of Philadelphia. The family moved east to the South New Jersey community of Cinnaminson, across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.

After a successful stint here, in 1986 he was promoted to Plant Manager at another AlliedSignal facility in Pottsville and the family moved a little west. They settled in Orwigsburg, Pennsylvania, where they’d remain for nearly 40 years.

He took over as General Manager of the newly operational Gilberton Power Company cogeneration power plant in Frackville in 1988. While here, he was instrumental in creating and organizing the industry trade group Anthracite Region Independent Power Producers Association (ARIPPA) in 1989. “My favorite professional achievement,” he would often proudly say. He retired from GPC in 2005.

The retirement years were filled with sailing the Chesapeake, travels to Europe, Alaska, New Mexico, jazz festivals, wineries and U.S. Open tennis matches. When not doting on his grandchildren or playing tennis with a group of friends, he reengaged with his love of shooting sports, traveling the country to compete in matches. He was also a leader and/or member of several local shooting clubs. An inveterate tinkerer, David also found a new interest in metal machining and milling, using what he learned to craft parts and tools for himself and his shooting buddies.

In 2025, David and Dottie felt the need to downsize and decided to part ways with the big house on Little Mountain and retire to The Highlands at Wyomissing in Reading.

David is survived by the great love of his life, Dorothy, his children, grandchildren, his brother and sisters and a legion of friends.

The Family will receive relatives and friends at Bean Funeral Home 129 E. Lancaster Ave, Shillington PA August 8, 2026, from 10:00am to 11:00 am with a memorial service to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to helpingharvest.org, an organization dedicated to feeding the hungry in Schuylkill and Berks counties.

Bean Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be made at: www.Beanfuneralhomes.com