Martin L. Vandegrift's Obituary
Martin "Marty” Laurence Vandegrift, age 73 of Greenwood, DE passed away on Friday, May 27, 2022. He was born on October 14, 1948, in Baltimore, MD, son of the late James E. Sr. and Bertha J. (Corley) Vandegrift.
Marty was raised in the small community of Gray Manor outside of Baltimore, Maryland and attended the local schools graduating from Patapsco Senior High in 1966. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army Reserves in 1967. Marty's military career included communications security and the infantry culminating as a drill instructor. His military career spanned 24 years before his retirement in 1991 with the rank of E8 First Sergeant.
After Marty's initial training in Massachusetts, he relocated to Manchester and then Bedford, New Hampshire where he worked in sales for numerous companies throughout New England and the East Coast. He continued in sales and relocated to Salisbury, Maryland with a final move to Greenwood, Delaware.
Marty was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed everything that nature had to offer. He had many interests and hobbies. Marty loved hunting and had a special love for goose and duck hunting. He was an active member of B.P.O.E. (Elks), the American Legion and Ducks Unlimited and various additional organizations. Marty also volunteered for the Elks Youth Program and the annual Millard J. Tawes Crab and Clam Bake. Above all, he cherished time spent with those he held most dear. Loved by many, Marty will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Larry L. Vandegrift. Marty is survived by his son, Derek J. Vandegrift, and his brother, James E, Jr.
Viewing will be held on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, from 6 - 8 PM at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE. Interment will be held on Tuesday, June 14, 2022, at 11:00 AM at Garden of Faith Memorial Cemetery, 5598 Trumps Mill Road, Baltimore (Rosedale), MD.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Parsell Funeral Homes requires that masks be worn at all times while inside the facility.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Marty's memory to the Elks Youth Program, https://www.elks.org/.
Please sign the virtual guestbook located on the tribute page.
FLORIST NOTE: PLEASE DELIVER ALL ARRANGEMENTS BY 3:00 PM ON TUESDAY, JUNE 7, 2022 AT OUR LEWES LOCATION.
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