Mr. Thomas Francis Martin III December 14, 1929-July 28, 2023, age 93, entered eternal rest reuniting with the love of his life his wife of 46 years Marguerite (Peg) Smollon.  Thomas was born in the Bronx, NYC the son of Thomas Francis Martin II and Mary Elizabeth Hoare and beloved brother of Mary and Helen.  Tom graduated from La Salle Academy, NYC in 1948 with distinction.  He joined the Marine Corps in 1949 where, due to his academic prowess it was decided that he would be sent to the Naval Academy Prep School, Newport Rhode Island and admitted to Annapolis class of 1954.  Tom resigned his commission to marry Marguerite Smollon on November 13th, 1954. Tom received his B.S in Mechanical Engineering from the Newark College of Engineering, currently NJIT, and embarked on a long and prosperous career in precious metals manufacturing for several large firms including Phelps Dodge, Chase Brass and culminating as one of the owners of Jenkins Valves.  Tom and Peg having lived in many locations always had their heart at the Jersey Shore and in 1985 moved to Spring Lake Heights.  Tom retired from business and began his second career as a Mathematics teacher at St John Vianney High school, Holmdel NJ.  He was 55 on his first day of teaching and taught for 12 years before retiring for good in 1997.  Tom said that teaching was the most challenging yet rewarding part of his career, he loved his students.  Tom and Peg had a tremendous love for each other, and they were ardent travelers and throughout the course of their marriage visited too many places to count including 5 of 7 continents.  Tom instilled honesty and character in his children, a man of action who said what he meant and meant what he said.  Tom adored his children and always made it a point to encourage and support them in their endeavors.  His family was most important to him rarely missing an event. 

He is predeceased by beloved wife Peg, sisters Mary Moore and Helen Kiernan. He is survived by his 3 children Marguerite Tauber (Mike), Mary Ferguson (Hugh) and Thomas Francis Martin IV (Mary Ellen) and 6 grandchildren Michael Tauber, Hugh Thomas and Connor Ferguson, Riley Mundie (Ryan) Marguerite and Thomas Francis Martin V.  Also survived by sister-in-law Joan Purcaro and Brother Aquinas Richard Smollon and many Nieces and Nephews. He lived a long and very full life. He is thrilled to be back with Peg. 

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catharine’s Church, Spring Lake, NJ Friday August 4th at 10:00 AM followed by the committal in St. Anne’s Cemetery, Wall. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make donations to Autism Speaks. To send condolences to the family please visit www.obrienfuneralhome.com.