Obituary of Martin Anton

Martin B. Anton, 78, with his loving family members at his bedside, passed away April 6, 2007 after a courageous battle against cancer. Born in Weehawken, New Jersey on May 21, 1928, he moved to Brick Township, New Jersey in 1954 where he practiced law until his retirement in 1987. Since that time, he resided in Port St. Lucie, Florida.

Mr. Anton was driven to excel and resolute in his beliefs. Those traits were the exterior of a kind and gentle soul who loved God, his family and friends, and who was ready to help others in any way he could. With encouragement from many admiring family and friends, he set out upon a life of public service. He served as Mayor of Brick Township in 1960, 1963 and 1966. Thereafter he served as the Brick Municipal Attorney and as Bricks Municipal Court Judge. He was the Ocean County Prosecutor from 1971 to 1976. At the time of his retirement in 1987, he served as Municipal Court Judge in several municipalities in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, NJ. He was a member of the New Jersey State Rules of Court Review Commission, 1972-1992. He was an adjunct professor in Constitutional Law and Evidence at Ocean County College. He was instructor on the Judicial System at the Ocean County Police Academy. He served for many years as the School Board Attorney for Brick Township Board of Education, Spring Lake Heights Board of Education and the Freehold Township Board of Education. He was a member of the Board of Directors of Paul Kimball Hospital, Lakewood, New Jersey and served on the Board of Directors of Atlantic State Bank in Point Pleasant, NJ.

Mr. Anton was a founding member and charter secretary of the Brick Elks Club. He was founder and Past President of the Brick Township Kiwanis International. He was a Master Mason, a member of the Durand Lodge No. 179 F&AM, Point Pleasant Beach, NJ. He held his social acquaintances in the highest regard and often spoke fondly of the activities of these organizations.

Mr. Anton served in the United States Army and received the United Nations and Korean Service Medals for service during the Korean Conflict. He was a New York Daily News 1950 Golden Gloves boxer, a parachute jumpmaster, a private pilot, a scuba diver and held a U. S. Coast Guard Captains license. He was a long time member of the Monoc Pigeon Racing Association and he also enjoyed showing dogs. He was an avid horseman and was a motorcycle, sport car and yachting enthusiast. He loved the hundreds of animals to which through his live he gave a home and he shared his joy in his hobbies with his many friends.

While enjoying retirement in Port St. Lucie, Florida, he remained actively involved in public service. He was a member of the Code Enforcement Board and served as chairman from 1991 to 1994. He became certified by the Supreme Court of Florida as a Family Mediator and County Court Mediator. He served as a volunteer mediator for the St. Lucie County Attorneys Office. Confirming his deep love for sailing, he served during 1993 -1994 as the Commodore of the Saints and Sinners Yacht Club of Port St. Lucie

A dignified, gentle and affectionate man, Martin will forever be remembered by his family as one who was more concerned about their welfare than he was with his own. He is survived by his wife Ellen E. Anton; his sister Lillian E. Grant; his sons, Martin J., Frank L., Vincent E.; his daughter Denise E. and son-in-law Stephen G. Smith. Known as Pop-Pop by his grandchildren, he leaves Jean Marie and Jessie Anton, Alexandra and Jonathan Smith and his beloved pet, Mia.

Viewing will be Tuesday, April 10th 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 PM at Forest Hills Funeral Home, 2001 SW Murphy Road, Palm City, Florida. Funeral service will be held at Forest Hills Wednesday, April 11th at 2 PM immediately followed by entombment at Fernhill Memorial Gardens, 1501 S. Kanner Hwy, Stuart, Florida.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church,

5200 SW Martin Highway, Palm City, 34990.