Lewis Clyde Martin Jr., known as Lew to all who love him, age 84, of Essex Junction, Vt., passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024. He was born on May 24, 1940, in Montgomery, Ala., the beloved son of Lewis Clyde Martin Sr. and Lillis Bozeman Thornton.
Lew was a man of many talents and passions. During his school years, he was a proud member of the marching band, playing the trombone from middle school into university. His love for music was evident to all who knew him.
Lew graduated from Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery, Ala., and attended Auburn University, where he earned a master’s degree in electrical engineering. It was at a sock hop during his time at Auburn that he met the love of his life, Judith Wilson. They married on August 26, 1961, and shared a wonderful life for 64 years. Initially residing in Huntsville, Ala., they moved to Vermont in 1969.
Lew began his career by working on the Apollo missions, where he designed communication technologies that guided the astronauts on their first trip to the moon — a legacy of which he was incredibly proud. He continued his education by moving to Vermont to study computer programming and worked as a computer engineer for the remainder of his career at IBM. Lew and Judy also owned the Candlemould Gift House, a popular business in Essex Junction, for several years.
Outside of his professional life, Lew was a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Judy, and their daughters: Elaine Duignan and her husband, Michael; Cheryl Gandini and her husband, James; and Glinda Mecca and her husband, Jay. He was a loving grandfather to Michael Duignan; Taylor Duignan; Jessica Gandini Weiss and her husband, David; Kristin Gandini and her fiancé, Jonathan; Christopher Root and his wife, Meg; Sarah Root; and also his niece, Jana Wilson Capallo. Lew was the original “girl dad,” raising his daughters with love, strength and a deep sense of pride.
Lew had a passion for fishing and being outdoors with his good friends. He and Judy spent many winters in Green Valley, Ariz., where they met many new friends they cherish today. His sense of humor, generous spirit and warm smile will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Lew was very active in his community. He was a dedicated member of Grace United Methodist Church, a founding member of Essex Junction Rescue and a longtime member of the Lions Club, where he received the honorable Melvin Jones Fellowship award for his dedicated service.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to all the wonderful caregivers and the hospice team who helped Lew during his battle with Parkinson’s.
A celebration of life will take place on February 1, 2025. Details will follow. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his memory to Grace United Methodist Church, 130 Maple St., Essex Junction, VT 05452.
Lew leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and a life well lived. He will forever be in our hearts. Please visit awrfh.com to share your memories and condolences.
This article appears in The Reading Issue 2024.