Gerald “Jerry” Edward Martin

Gerald “Jerry” Edward Martin, 99, of Forest, Virginia, passed away on Saturday, February 14, 2026. He was the son of the late Edward and Mildred Ludin Martin.

Jerry was born on August 30, 1926, in Aurora, Illinois. He attended the University of Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering in 1951. He retired in 1987 as Executive Vice President of Operations for Hubbell Incorporated. Previously, he worked at Louis Allis Company; Litton Industries, where he served as Vice President and General Manager of the Drives and Systems Division; and H.K. Porter Company, Inc., where he advanced through several engineering, sales management, and product management assignments. He held several patents on electrical power connectors.

Jerry was active in Junior Achievement, serving as Chairman of its Program Development Committee and as a member of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee of Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut. He was also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Rotary Club of Bridgeport, Connecticut. He served as a Division Vice Chairman of the United Way campaign and was Past President of the Fort Hill Rotary Club of Lynchburg, Virginia.

He was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church. Jerry and Louise were married at the church on November 14, 1997, with Pastor Dennis Roberts and Pastor Steve Schultz officiating. The family would like to thank Pastor Roberts for his visits and faithful support.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Army Signal Corps during World War II in the South Pacific Theater of Operations.

He enjoyed working outdoors and managing his ten-and-a-half-acre property. He especially loved spending time in his workshop, where he built bluebird houses for family and friends. An avid reader, Jerry enjoyed books of all kinds.

He is survived by his loving wife, Louise Martin; children and stepchildren, Eric Martin (Diane), Suzanne Garner (Ted), Richard Scinto (Karen), and Sheri Sullivan (Tom); grandchildren and step-grandchildren, Jaclyn Martin (Zack), Richard Scinto (Grace), Krystal Kelly (Ryan), and Brooke Vazzano; great-grandchildren and great-step-grandchildren, Lincoln Niederoski, Beau Randall, Hazel Randall, and Hazel Scinto.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to his loving caregivers, Angel Young, Barbara Richerson, Patsy Booker, and Eli Richardson. The care they provided was outstanding. Jerry loved them, and they loved Jerry. The family would also like to extend a thank you to Hospice of Virginia, especially Casey, Haley, and Claire for the outstanding care and comfort for Jerry.

The love of his life and soulmate, Louise, was always by his side. She will deeply miss the love and tenderness he showed her throughout their years together. She will especially miss their morning and night ritual of holding hands after breakfast or dinner and telling each other they loved them.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.