Paul "Krazy" Martin

Machinist Mate first class Paul “Krazy” Martin passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Monday, February 24, 2025, due to kidney failure and dementia. Paul was 74 years old. He was born on May 10, 1950, in Ware, Massachusetts, the son of Philip Martin and Doris Donaldson. He grew up in Springfield, Massachusetts, where he attended Catholic school. Later on, the family moved to Holland, Mass., and Paul graduated from Tantasqua Regional High School and Vocational School on June 8, 1969. Soon after, he enlisted in the US Navy. In January 1970, he reported to basic training at Great Lakes, Illinois. Upon completion there, he reported to Naval Special Warfare Amphibious School at Little Creek, VA, for UDT-Seal training. He graduated there in August 1970, with class 7002. He was then assigned to UDT-21 at Little Creek.

Soon after basic training Paul met his wife Linda in Michigan and on October 23, 1971, they were married. They have two sons: Keith Edward and Eric Paul. They were married for 53 years. Their home is in Virginia Beach.

During Paul’s naval career, he served at Seal Team 2, he made several Med. Cruises, attended EOD school, laser school, engineman school at Great Lakes, and was eventually assigned to Juliet Platoon at Seal Team One in Coronado, California. On his next enlistment, he chose to go to Buds Training Center in Coronado, working as an instructor trainer in the diving phase. In 1982, Paul and his family to Little Creek and was assigned back to Seal Team Two. Just before retiring, he went to work at Naval Spec War Command. Paul retired in January 1990. He was a member of the UDT-Seal Association.

In his spare time, Paul loved being a diving instructor teaching people to dive. He was very proud to have been an Advisor for Explorer Post 20 in Chesapeake, VA, which worked with at risk teens. Paul also was a Webelo den leader for Pact 424 at Luxford Elementary School with his son Eric and also a scout pack leader. After retiring, his wife suggested that he drive a school bus to keep busy, so Paul drove Special needs children for Virginia Beach City Public Schools for 5 years. Soon after, Paul started having health issues and had to totally retire and stay at home.

Paul is survived by his wife Linda of Virginia Beach, sons, Keith Edward (Debora) and Eric Paul of Norfolk. Two grandsons, Jason Paul and James Gordy. Paul has one living sister, Doreen St. Laurent (Gil) of South Carolina, and several nieces and nephews. Paul was preceded in death by his father Philip, his mother Doris, and a younger sister, Debre Jean.

The family would like to thank Traditions Hospice for their wonderful care teams. Also Dr. Emma Robl, Dr. Tod Gensler, and Dr. Daniel Rakowski for their excellent care and support for Paul in the last few years.