Martin Strine Waltemyer

Martin Strine Waltemyer (Marty), age 98, passed away surrounded by family at Barclay Friends, West Chester, PA, on January 27, 2024. He was born in Cleveland, OH October 7, 1925 and grew up in Emigsville, PA. 

He enlisted in the US Navy during WWII and proudly served aboard the USS John D. Henley in the Pacific Theatre where he earned three service ribbons and six Battle Stars including a bronze star. He saw the American Flag raised atop Mt. Suribachi while providing artillery cover in the battle of Iwo Jima. He was honorably discharged on April 22, 1946. He had met his wife, Gloria, while on leave in York and they were married on August 7, 1948. 

He reenlisted with the Naval Reserve during the Korean War and was called up to serve on the USS Saipan (aircraft carrier). At the end of the war he returned home and became a Journeyman Machinist and later a Gunnery Specialist and Ordinance Systems Engineer for the Navy. Over his career, he helped restore the 5” rifles and 16” turrets on all of the Big Four Battleships – USS New Jersey, USS Missouri, USS Iowa, and the USS Wisconsin and was sought after for his ordinance expertise for 40+ years. 

After retiring he volunteered to help restore the USS New Jersey in Camden, NJ and later became a docent (tour guide) for the museum. A video and plaque of his service is located on the ship. His choice of career reflected his lifelong concern for and dedication to America’s defense. When interviewed by The Philadelphia Inquirer in 2005, he was quoted, “No matter what you are doing, you have to do something worthwhile”.

Marty loved God, his family and his country. He traveled often for work though when home he was involved in the many activities of his 4 children’s lives. He was an active member of the Cherry Hill (NJ) United Methodist Church and the Sicklerville (NJ) United Methodist Church and eventually attended Paoli Presbyterian Church in Paoli, PA. He re-committed his life to Jesus Christ and was baptized there in his 90’s.

Marty is survived by three sons and a daughter; Martin E. Waltemyer (Ellie) of Pawleys Island, SC, David L. Waltemyer (Stephanie) of Soldotna, AK, Jonathan M. Waltemyer (Karen) of Medford Lakes, NJ, and Kathleen A. Agnello (Jim) of West Chester, PA; his very dear friend Barbara Phillips of Williamstown, NJ; nine grandchildren – M. Allan Waltemyer (Holly) of Asheville, NC, Heather Waltemyer of Concord, VA, Scott Waltemyer (Amber) of College Station, TX, Jesse Waltemyer of Kingwood, TX, Seth Waltemyer (Katie) of Lake Stevens, WA, Jenna Waltemyer of Franklinville, NJ, Justin Waltemyer of Franklinville, NJ, Matt Agnello (Amanda) of Carson, CA, and Christine Ellis (Scott) of Philadelphia, PA; as well as twelve great grandchildren. 

He was predeceased by his wife of 38 years, Gloria E. Waltemyer, and his second wife, Roselyn A. Waltemyer.

A private family viewing will be held in West Chester, PA followed by a graveside service with military honors at the Prospect Hill Cemetery, 700 N. George Street, York, PA. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Battleship New Jersey Museum would be appreciated.