Howard L. “Curly” Martin Howard L. “Curly” Martin, 86, of New Holland, PA, passed away at his home on Monday afternoon, following a five month illness.

Born in Warwick Township, Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Wentz and Edna McCullough Martin.

He retired from Sperry New Holland on December 1, 1983, having worked there for 30 years as supervisor of computer software and development section of the data processing department. In February 1968, he earned the “Certificate in Data Processing” award. Previously he worked for Hubley Manufacturing Company, Town Talk Bakeries, Hamilton Watch Company and Dellinger Manufacturing Company in Chicago, IL.

Howard was a World War II, U.S. Navy veteran, having served from November 1942 to February 1946. He was a member of Patrol Bombing Squadron VPB-105, serving as a mechanic and tail gunner. He flew 45 missions in a PB4Y-1 Liberator, patrolling the Bay of Biscay and English Channel, for which he was awarded the Air Medal.

Born Sept. 14, 1923, he attended the Home for Friendless Children Orphanage in Lancaster, from August 1930 to April 1933, and the Hershey Industrial School in Hershey from April 1933 to January 1942, now called the Milton Hershey School.

Surviving is his son, Barry G. Martin companion of Marcy Crammer of Mountville; a sister, Verna M. Huber of North Wales, PA; a brother, John L. Martin of Mechanicsburg, PA; and his long- time companion, Helen Finch of New Holland. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Ethel A. and Mary K. and four half brothers, Mervin, Norman C. Raymond and Carl.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend his Life Celebration Service from Fred F. Groff Inc., 234 W. Orange St., Lancaster, PA on Thursday at 1:00 PM with the Rev. David A. Thomann officiating. Interment will be held at Conestoga Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Groff’s on Thursday from 12:00 PM until the time of service. Military Honors will be rendered by the Red Rose Veterans Honor Guard.

If desired, memorials may be sent in Howard’s memory to the American Heart Association, 610 Community Way, Lancaster, PA 17603 or to Hospice of Lancaster County, 685 Good Dr., P.O. Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125.