Delano Martins, 84, passed away on March 14, 2023. He was born and raised in Elizabeth, NJ, graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School and the University of Miami. Following his military service in the US Army, he returned to Elizabeth, NJ, and opened Martins Accounting and Insurance. Several years later, Delano started Martins Travel and Portuguese Tours offering vacation packages to Europe and South America. While in Elizabeth, he served as president of the Library Board and Zoning Board and remained active in numerous civic and professional organizations. He and Laurina, his loving wife of 61 years, moved to Jacksonville Beach, FL, in 2012, where they enjoyed the company of friends at Oceans Edge and the Ponte Vedra Croquet Club.
Besides Laurina, Delano is survived by his sons, Delano (Caroline) and Bruce (Tina); eleven grandchildren, Delano (Ellie), Jack, Olivia (Alex), Maggie, Ryan, Grace, Nicholas, Andrew, Sam, Emma, and Lily; one great-granddaughter, Marloe.
A visitation will be held from 3:00 to 4:30 pm on Thursday, March 23, 2023, at Ponte Vedra Valley Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, March 24, 2023, at Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. Inurnment to follow at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery.
