Thomas LaMartina, age 80, a resident of Sunset Beach for 54 years, and previously of Baltimore, passed away on April 25, 2015 at Baltimore Washington Medical Center after a lengthy illness.

Born on January 1, 1935, in Baltimore, to the late Ethel and John LaMartina, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving as a boilerman on the destroyer USS Ellison, from 1952 until 1955. After the service, he worked for Baltimore Gas & Electric Company for 37 years until his retirement. He was a member of the American Legion, the Bayside Beach Senior Club, and was past president of the Brooklyn Boosters. A fan of the Ravens and Orioles, he was known as a great cook, and also enjoyed travelling, playing cards; loved his animals, and, of course, spending time with his grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Thomas is preceded in death by his son Phillip, and three brothers: Jack, Ronald, and Donald LaMartina.

He is survived by his beloved wife Mildred, married for 58 years; his daughter Victoria and her partner Michael, son Thomas and his wife Lori, of Forest, Virginia, and daughter Valerie and her husband Ronald; eight grandchildren: John, Alexandra, Nicholas, Samuel, Drew, Gabriel, Rachel, and Ronald; five great grandchildren: Owen, Jillian, Eric, Alex, and Lana; three brothers: Anthony, Joseph, and Denis; and many nieces and nephews.

The family invites friends to visit at the Gregory J. Gonce Funeral Home, PA, 169 Riviera Drive, Pasadena, on Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 PM. His funeral service will begin at 11 AM on Thursday. His interment will follow, with military honors, in Cedar Hill Cemetery. Those who wish may contribute to the St. Jude Children's Hospital at stjude.org, and feel free to express your condolences here as well.