Martin Alan Palm, Sr.

Martin "Marty" Alan Palm, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, passed away on December 31, 2025, at the age of 83, with his family at his side. A longtime resident of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania, Marty called the community home for more than 50 years.

He was known affectionately as Dad, Pop, Pop-Pop and Uncle Marty, and he was the kind of person who could start a conversation with anyone, anywhere. Marty was deeply genuine in a way that made people instantly comfortable-someone who everyone liked and enjoyed being around. He was a great listener, gifted storyteller and trusted advice-giver with quiet wisdom and well-timed one-liners that will be missed beyond measure.

At the center of Marty's life was his wife, Phyllis. Married for nearly 50 years, their bond was steady, obvious and deeply rooted. Even after decades together, there was an ease and closeness between them that never faded. Since Phyllis passed in 2017, Marty has missed her greatly, yet carried on with quiet strength, remaining devoted to the family and life they had built together.

He is survived by his sons, Marty Palm, Jr. of Danville, Pa., and Matt (Liz) Palm of New Market, Md.; and his grandchildren, Ryan, Kevin, Addy and Sami, who were the center of his world. He is also survived by extended family and longtime friends.

Family was Marty's greatest joy and responsibility. He showed his love through presence-being there, paying attention and offering steady support. Whether in the stands, at a family gathering or simply listening, he made sure those he loved knew they mattered.

A Vietnam War veteran, Marty served his country with honor, driving patrol boats that delivered supplies and troops in and around Quy Nhon. Initially, he rarely spoke about his service, carrying it with humility and a deep sense of duty. But as time passed, he began sharing stories that turned into detailed descriptions of some of his most impactful moments in the Army.

He graduated from Wilson High School in 1961 and was drafted soon after. When he returned, Marty worked at the paper mill for his father and eventually built a long career with the Bell System and AT&T. Over the years, he worked on advanced phone systems, helped bring service to growing neighborhoods and adapted to rapidly changing technology. Later in life, he started his own company, continuing to assist local businesses-many of them relationships built over decades.

A natural problem-solver, Marty could fix just about anything. He loved working on cars and took particular pride in restoring his 1966 Mustang, which he purchased new and rebuilt alongside his son Matt, who he ultimately passed it on to.

Marty valued routines, friendships and time well spent. He enjoyed his golf league, bowling league, breakfast with former coworkers turned friends, family camping trips in Maryland and frequent casino visits-especially because Phyllis loved them. He was a devoted Penn State fan and alumni dad, and a loyal supporter of the Philadelphia Flyers and Nascar.

Marty passed peacefully after a brief illness. His absence leaves a quiet but lasting void, felt most deeply in the small moments-stories half-told, routines shared and the steady presence he offered so naturally. His family takes comfort knowing he is reunited with Phyllis and the friends he missed so dearly.

Until next time, Dad.

So long, Pop.

We love you, Pop-pop.

A viewing will be held at Edward J. Kuhn Funeral Home at 739 Penn Ave., West Reading, PA 19611 on Monday, January 12 from 6 - 8 p.m. Marty will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the VFW Foundation (vfwfoundation.org). Condolences may be expressed at kuhnfuneralhomes.com.