Martin L. Raborn, Sr. of the Avenel section of Woodbridge Township passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 8, 2017, surrounded by his loved ones after a brief illness at the Kindred Hospital in Rahway, N.J. He was 78 years old.

Born in Bogalusa, LA, he met his wife and relocated to New Jersey in 1959 and has resided in Avenel since 1965.

Mr. Raborn was a 1955 graduate of Bogalusa High School located in Bogalusa, LA. He served in the United States Navy on the U.S.S. Forrestal. He started his career with Laboratory Service in Carteret, N.J. as a chemical marine surveyor and retired after 35 years of service. He was a member of the Woodbridge Elks Lodge No. 2116 since 1991, serving as Exalted Leader from 1996 to 1997 and visited the lodge almost daily until the time of his last illness. He also participated in the Woodbridge Lanes Monday Seniors Bowling League for many years in his retirement. Martin devoted his life to his family. He enthusiastically cheered for his children and grandchildren at school, concerts, sporting and other events. Years ago, he served as Scout Master for Pack 41 in Avenel (with over 20 years of service in scouting leadership) and coached his sons' Merrill Park Little League teams. He was an avid bowler and enjoyed playing cards with his friends.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of over 50 years, Madeline E. Sciarrone Raborn, as well as his parents, Joseph and Rosa Lee Munn Raborn of Bogalusa, LA and his siblings, Joseph Raborn, Mildred Cothern, Willie Frank "Pete" Raborn and Betty Joyce Creel all from Bogalusa, LA.

He is survived by his four children, Joseph Raborn and his wife, Kathy, of Flemington, James Raborn of Flemington, Donna Bogdan and her husband, Alex, of Bridgewater and Martin L. Raborn, Jr. and his wife, Adina, of Livermore, CA; eight grandchildren, Matthew, Alexander, Emily, Victoria, Joshua, Seth, Brandon, and Jake; and two sisters, Taliatha Raborn Shindle and Kathleen Raborn Warner.

A service will take place on Saturday, Aug. 12, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the Costello-Koyen Funeral Home (costello-koyen.com), 399 Avenel Street, Avenel. Interment will follow in Saint Gertrude Cemetery, Colonia. Visitation will be on Friday, Aug. 11, 2017, from 4:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to B.P.O.E. Elks Lodge 2116, 665 Rahway Avenue, Woodbridge, NJ 07095.