Former Woodbridge Township Councilman and Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders; Vincent R. Martino 88 years old, on Friday, April 21, 2023, lost his courageous battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was surrounded by his loving and devoted wife Rose (Salzano) of 62 years and his loving family.

Vincent was the devoted son of Sabatino and Johanna (McNulty) Martino and a life-long resident of Port Reading, NJ. Vincent was predeceased by his parents and sister, Joan Duffy. Surviving are his beloved and devoted wife Rose, his brother Martin and his wife Patricia and sister-in-law Lucille Vogt. He is also survived by his niece Joanne Shafer, and nephews Dr. Martin Martino, Kenneth, Kevin and Danny O'Gorman, niece Colleen Giambrone and many godchildren. Vincent's extended family included his special friend Kitty Kat and his beloved dog, Chippy. Vinny also lovingly fed and cared for a large number of cats and dogs in the area.

He was a communicant of St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church in Port Reading where he served as an altar boy. He was also a member of St. Anthony's of Padua Holy Name Society, the St. Anthony Restoration of Bells Program, the St. Anthony School Board of Education and founding member of the Port Reading Knights of Columbus Council #5809.

Vincent was a dedicated public servant and a prime example of "One life lived: many lives touched". He served as Woodbridge Township Third Ward Councilman and Councilman At Large. Also, he was on the Middlesex County Board of Chosen Freeholders where he was Chairman of the Parks Department and the Park Police, among other departments. He served on the Board of Port Reading Fire Commissioners and was past President. He was a Port Reading Volunteer Fireman for 42 years and was a member of the Middlesex County Solid Waste Policy Advisory Committee, Kiddie Keep Well Board of Directors, B.P.O. Elks Lodge #2282, Colonia, American Public Works Association, Middlesex County Heart Association, American Cancer Society, American Irish Association, Woodbridge, Past Grand Marshall of the Woodbridge Christmas Parade and a Woodbridge Italian-American Heritage Honoree, 2006.

Vinny attended Woodbridge High School, Class of 1953, and later attended Rutgers University Extension Division taking many courses to enhance his career in Sales and Politics. He also attended Fire Training School.

Vincent served proudly in the United States Army which included eighteen months in Germany, 1954-1956. He was honorably discharged. He was also a member of the United States Marines Reserve, 1952-1953. He was a life member of the American Legion T. Nulty Post #471, Iselin, VFW Post #7164, Avenel and Korean Vets National 4 ^th Infantry.

Vincent worked for Pak-Mor Manufacturing Company as Northeast Sales Manager. He later joined the Middlesex County Engineering Department and was awarded Best Employee in 2002. He also worked for Hess Oil Company as a Tractor Trailer Driver during which time he was a member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. He also worked for John Almasi Trucking and Heil Company.

Included among his favorite memories are driving in the Miss America parade in Atlantic City, driving his pick-up truck with his dog Chippy, smoking his cigar, boating in his younger days, his surprise 40 ^th birthday party given by all the neighborhood children, watching AMC old movies and Jeopardy, having dinner with friends, but especially with the love of his life, his wife, Rose.

Vincent leaves behind many caring friends, one whom said "Vinny is a very unique guy whose heart is bigger than he is." We are filled with sadness as we share the passing of our beloved Vincent but fond memories of his will live forever in our hearts.

A 10:30 a.m. Mass of Resurrection will take place on Friday, April 28, 2023 at St. Anthony of Padua R.C. Church 436 Port Reading Avenue, Port Reading. Entombment will follow at St. James Chapel Mausoleum, Woodbridge. Visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Roman Catholic Church, 436 Port Reading Avenue, Port Reading.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to Saint Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org), 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105 or the Port Reading First Aid Squad (portreadingfas.com), 916 West Avenue, Port Reading, NJ 07064 in Vinny's memory would be greatly appreciated.