Martin J. Payton, Jr.

On April 3, 2024, Martin Joseph Payton, Jr. departed to rest with our Lord and reunite in heaven with his beloved parents, Agnes and Martin Joseph Payton, Sr., his brother Donald Payton, and his two adopted sons from Bogota, Colombia, Matthew and Mark Payton.

Marty is survived by his loving wife, Catherine of Southern Pines, North Carolina, his sister, Joan Plaziak of North Providence, Rhode Island, and his brother, David Payton of Cranston, RI. Marty was the proud father of three surviving children with his former wife and friend, Carolyn Graham: Lori-lynn Payton Mantella (Charleston, SC), Martin Joseph Payton III (wife, Kelly McCarthy Payton, Line Lexington, PA), and Cheralyn Payton Leeby (husband, Doug Leeby, Ponte Vedra, Florida).

Marty had nine grandchildren (Rocky, Lindsey, Danny, Colleen, Meghan, Marty IV, Lauren, Chase, and Payton) and eight great-grandchildren (Rally, Charlotte, Kelly, Holly, Carey, Kate, Brenden and Mariano).

Marty cherished his family and his Irish heritage more than anything. He frequently visited the Peyton relatives in County Mayo, Ireland, and enjoyed listening to his favorite Irish songs until his last breath. When we see an Irish flag, we will remember our beloved father fondly.

Marty graduated from St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket at the age of 16. He worked tirelessly to put himself through college at the University of Rhode Island, where he earned a degree in engineering in 1957. Always working, he started his career early as a caddy at age 10. He then sold Bibles and vacuums door-to-door. In 1957, Marty worked for Texas Instruments earning his way to become Regional Sales Manager. He then opened Payton Pools, Inc in Colmar, PA. and co-founded a bi-metal manufacturing plant, Hood and Company in Reading, Pennsylvania. In 1975, Marty and James Noonan, his best friend of over 70 years, co-founded Precision Metal Services, Inc. in Colmar, PA. Together, they built a successful international business that continues to grow and thrive today, with customers and suppliers from over 20 countries. Marty never forgot his humble beginnings and persevered through difficult times with patience, grace, and deep faith.

Marty loved traveling the world, learning about other cultures, and making lifelong friends. He taught himself seven languages conversationationally and traveled to over 51 countries before the internet and cell phones, using only paper maps and pay phones. He never missed an occasion

to connect with his worldwide network of friends and family. His famous motto was, “Love Everyone.”

Marty loved golfing with Marty III and Marty IV, his cousin Paul Payton, sister Joan, Ray Tulisalio, Jim Noonan, grandkids, friends, and customers. He was a lifelong member of Foxfire Country Club in Foxfire, NC. He was also a member of Cedarbrook Country Club and Blue Bell Country Club in Blue Bell, PA. He was an avid Flyers, Eagles, and Phillies fan.

Marty was a kind-hearted man, always willing to help others. His reaches of generosity are known to many across the globe. Education was important to Marty, and he saw it as the greatest gift. He helped many young people achieve their dream of attending college. Marty’s greatest joy was watching his children and grandchildren succeed in school, sports, dance, and work.

Marty had a contagious sense of humor and was known for his jokes and songs in many languages. Marty’s favorite song, one written by his father and uncles, was something the family sings at the end of every gathering. Everyone who knows the Payton family knows this special farewell ballad.

To a life incredibly well-lived, Marty, we sing this song to you, “We are so awfully glad to have met you” and “A Toodle Loo, So Long, Good Bye.”

Funeral Mass 11 AM Tuesday April 9, 2024 at St. Helena Church 1489 Dekalb Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422. Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing at the Church after 10 AM. Interment St. John Neumann Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the ActsLegacyFoundation.org (Hospice Organization).