Arthur M. Martin, 83, of New Bedford died Monday January 23, 2006 at New Bedford Rehabilitation Hospital after a long illness. He was the husband of Rosaria T. "Sadie" (Giammalvo) Martin; they recently celebrated their 57th wedding anniversary.
Born in New Bedford, the son of the late Antone F. and Hortense (Medeiros) Martin, he lived in New Bedford all of his life.
He was a communicant of Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church.
Mr. Martin owned and operated A-1 Auto Driving School, which was one of the first commercial driving schools in the area to offer Driver's Education in a classroom setting. He co-sponsored legislation with then-Representative Edward Coury to allow foreign born applicants, who so request, to be permitted to take written examinations in connection with the issuance of a license in their native tongue. In his retirement, he enjoyed working for Sam Giammalvo Auto Sales and the Union Street Bus Company.
Mr. Martin served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was a recipient of the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater campaign medal, the American Theater medal, the Good Conduct medal and the World War II Victory medal.
He was a member of the National and State Auto Driving School Association.
Survivors include his wife; a daughter, Ann Lemieux, and her husband Robert, of Acushnet; a son, Charles Martin, and his fiancée Pam Picaro, both of Dartmouth; a brother, Antone Martin, Jr. of New Bedford; four grandchildren, Bryan Lemieux, Jonathan Martin, Cassandra Martin and Cody Picaro; and several nieces and nephews.
He was the brother of the late Charles M. Martin and Edward Martin.
Funeral from the Saunders-Dwyer Home for Funerals, 495 Park St., New Bedford, Thursday January 26, 2006 at 8 AM. Funeral Mass at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church at 9 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. Visiting hours will be on Wednesday January 25, 2006 from 3-7 PM. Burial will be in Sacred Heart Cemetery.