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<div>On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, <strong><em>Gavin P. Martin</em></strong>, 21, of Edgecomb, Maine, formerly of Verona, New Jersey, tragically passed away.
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<div>Born in Livingston, New Jersey, and raised in Verona Township, Gavin grew into a young man defined by his unwavering sense of responsibility, natural leadership, and genuine kindness. He was a proud graduate of Verona High School, Class of 2022, where he played football and earned the respect of teammates, coaches, and friends through his determination, loyalty, and character.
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<div>Even at a young age, Gavin stood apart for his initiative and work ethic. He founded his own business, GPM Landscaping, while also working alongside his uncle and cousin at Martin Contracting in Verona.
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<div>Following high school, Gavin earned his associate degree from Central Maine Community College, continuing to pursue growth and opportunity with the same drive that guided him throughout his life. In the summer of 2023, he was selected to join the Horticulture Team at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Theme Park, where he successfully completed the highly regarded Mouseters Internship Program, graduating in August 2023.
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<div>After completing the program, Gavin returned to Maine, where he worked as a CDL-B driver for the Township of Waldoboro, once again choosing a role rooted in service to the community he loved.
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<div>Although Gavin was raised in Verona, the State of Maine held a special place in his heart, shaped by many summers spent there with family. That connection grew stronger as he worked as a dock manager for the North End Lobster Co-Op and ultimately made Edgecomb his home.
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<div>Service was not just something Gavin believed in. It was how he lived. He volunteered as a Firefighter with both the Verona Fire Department in New Jersey and the Edgecomb Fire Department in Maine, answering the call to protect and serve without hesitation. He was also an active and devoted member of Our Lady of the Lake Church in Verona, where his faith and commitment to others remained central to his life.
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<div>With the assistance of a Board of Directors and sponsorship from Verona Police PBA Local 72, the <strong><em>Gavin Martin Foundation </em></strong>is being established to honor Gavin’s life, character, and enduring legacy. Gavin’s passion for service, tireless work ethic, and deep commitment to community touched countless lives. Though he was taken far too soon, his impact continues through the values he lived by every day: dedication, compassion, integrity, and a sincere desire to help others.
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<div>We are currently in the process of establishing the Gavin Martin Foundation and creating a dedicated platform to accept donations so we can continue Gavin’s legacy. In the meantime, donations in support of the Gavin Martin Foundation may be made through this GoFundMe page, sponsored by the Verona Police PBA Local 72. Donations may also be made by check, payable to Verona PBA Local 72 - Civic Association, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, making all donations tax deductible. Checks should be mailed to Verona PBA 72, P.O. Box 72, Verona, NJ 07044. Please note “Gavin Martin Foundation” in the memo or subject line of all checks.
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<div>The Gavin Martin Foundation will transform compassion into action by supporting community-based initiatives that embody service, entrepreneurship, and dedication. We honor Gavin's legacy by investing in young and old alike, empowering service organizations, fostering entrepreneurial spirit, advancing vocational training, and strengthening civic engagement.
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<div>Through this fundraiser, we seek to transform loss into lasting purpose. This effort is not only about remembrance. It is about resolve. It is about choosing purpose in the face of loss and ensuring that Gavin’s life continues to create impact, opportunity, and hope. Every contribution helps carry forward Gavin’s legacy of service, generosity, and community commitment, allowing his spirit to live on through meaningful action for years to come.
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<div>Thank you for honoring Gavin Martin by supporting the mission he lived every day.
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<div>In honor of Gavin, with love and gratitude,
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<div>The Martin Family
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Honoring Gavin Martin’s Legacy of Service

<div><strong><em>Update:</em></strong>
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<div><strong>It is with a very heavy heart that I post this unfortunate news. Kelly passed away this afternoon. I'm thankful that I was able to be with her for her last breath. Please continue to pray for her family and her two sweet children, Charlie and Francesca.  </strong>
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<div><strong>I love you, Kelly, forever. xo</strong>
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<div><strong>Dear Friends, </strong>
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<div><strong>First, we would like to thank all of you for the very generous donations made for Kelly. Kelly was moved from her parents' home to Complete Care at St. Vincent's in Cedar Grove today. We ask that you continue to pray and support our dear friend and her two children. </strong>
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<div><strong>Thank you.</strong>
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<div><strong>In September 2023, Kelly Lawrence endured the shocking diagnosis of Stage 4 Metastatic Melanoma of the brain. Kelly underwent emergency brain surgery; she underwent several rounds of radiation, immunotherapy treatments, targeted therapy pills, and most recently, a chemo drug. Kelly has been fighting the fight and even pushing herself to get into work until Christmas 2024.</strong>
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<div><strong>Unfortunately, Kelly's most recent MRI showed more growth and cancer activity. Due to this, she requires more extensive care. Her family is trying to care for her at home for as long as possible.</strong>
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<div><strong>We are asking the community, family, and friends to come together to support Kelly and her two children, Charlie and Francesca.</strong>
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<div><strong>Out of respect for Kelly and concern for her children, her family asks that Kelly's health details not to be discussed in front of their classmates, friends, or teammates.</strong>
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<div><strong>Thank you and we appreciate the support. </strong>
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<div><strong>Pam Priscoe and Nicole Duda </strong>
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Join us in supporting Kelly Lawrence's children

<div>Your neighbors of East and West Lincoln Street are reaching out to our community during a time of profound loss and heartache. Our beloved neighbors have faced the unimaginable tragedy of losing two cherished family members. During this sorrowful time, we are initiating this fundraiser with the goal of raising of $20,000 to cover the costs of the funeral services, ensuring that they can say their final goodbyes in peace.
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<div>Every contribution, no matter the size, will help alleviate the financial strain and allow the family to focus on healing and remembrance.
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<div>Thank you for your generosity and support during this difficult time. Let’s come together to provide comfort and aid to our neighbors in their time of need.
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A Community Fund for The Gasin Family

<div>Hi everyone. This page is set up to help our dear friends with medical bills and funeral expenses. On Thursday January 6th, 2022 our dear, beautiful friend Jolyne took her last breath. She was surrounded by her amazing husband, Johnny of 24 years her two beautiful children, Hayley and Jack and her loving brother Shane.
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<div>Jolyne fought for 8 long years. Through radiation, chemo, surgery, and more and more chemo, she never failed to be positive, lose her crazy sense of humor, or take anything for granted. She fought the "rat bastard" ,as she referred to her tumor in her spine, with a spirit like no other! She leaves behind , not only her loving family, but tons and tons of us that were fortunate to call her "friend".
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<div>We can only imagine the amount of medical expenses that her treatment has left her family. This fund raiser is set up by those who adore this family. So many have asked what they can do at this difficult time. 
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<div>If you would consider donating to this cause to help our Askling family with funeral expenses and medical bills, it would be so greatly appreciated.
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<div>God Bless.
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<div>Eileen Erwin-Michael
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The Askling Family

THANK YOU for all the love and support you have shown this family! We are going to close donations for now and will keep everyone updated here and on the Chamber of Commerce social media pages. <br /><br />John and Syl, the owners of The Guac Spot located in Verona, NJ had a fire in their home in Little Falls in the early morning on February 4th. Thankfully, everyone is safe but the home is uninhabitable right now. Since opening their business a few years ago, John and Syl have supported many community initiatives and have given so much. They have become a part of our Verona family and we would like to show them the love and support they have shown us. <br /><br />The total amount of damage and loss is still unknown right now but we would like to get them some support as they try to navigate the whole process with insurance and get back up and running. They are hesitant about accepting help but we told them this is what family does for each other. Anything that goes unused will be donated right back to the community. <br /><br /><br />-The Verona Chamber of Commerce

Help The Guac Spot Owners After Fire

<br /><br />Our dearest friend, Kathleen Basil, a life long resident of Verona and mother to James Flores has recently been diagnosed with Neuroendocrine Cancer Stage 4.  Kathy's treatments will be aggressive, exhausting and expensive.  The purpose of this fund is to help Kathy and her son James with medical expenses and any other expenses they may need to make their lives as easy and less stressful as possible. Our hope is to ease the stress and help the family deal with the next months ahead of her.   We love Kathy so much and know she will beat this with the love and support from her wonderful and amazing family and friends.   Please keep Kathy in your prayers. <br /><br />  <br /><br />We thank you for caring!!!

Kathleen Basil 

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