David James Martin, 74, longtime Stratford resident and beloved husband of the late Sally Foley Martin, passed away on Friday, January 20,2012 in Annapolis, Md. Dave lived in Lordship for most of his life before he and Sally moved to Florida in 2000. Born January 30, 1937 in Bridgeport, he was the son of the late Oliver and Alice Martin. He was a graduate of Fairfield Prep and Georgetown University, where he majored in government. He served honorably as an intelligence research officer in Korea from 1958 to 1960, rising to the rank of First Lieutenant. He was on active status in the United States Army Reserve through 1965. He earned a Master's Degree in Communications from Fairfield University in 1971, and worked for Southern New England Telephone for many years before embarking on a career in real estate. After retiring as a Realtor, he served as a substitute teacher with Stratford Public Schools. Dave was deeply involved in local Republican politics for many years, and was an elected town sheriff for several terms. He was a devout parishioner at Our Lady of Peace Church, serving as a lector and Eucharistic minister. He was a history buff who enjoyed reading thrillers, playing cards and watching sports. He also enjoyed traveling, crossword puzzles and listening to his wife's piano-playing. He is survived by his four children, daughters Julie Doherty of Millersville, Md., Mary Ellen Martin Warner of Westport, Sara Martin of Millersville, Md., his son Cameron Martin and his wife Helen of Stratford; four grandchildren, Conor and Maeve Doherty, Spencer Warner and Sailor Martin. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his son-in-law, Dr. Robert J. Doherty. Friends may call on Wednesday, January 25, at McDonald Funeral Home, 2591 Main St., Stratford, from 4 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Thursday, January 26, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Peace Church, 651 Stratford Road, Stratford. Interment will be later at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Dave's name to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454, Alexandria, VA 22312.