Martin Smith Kirwan, Jr. Sept. 14, 1921 – Jan. 25, 2025

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Clements Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc – Durham on Jan. 29, 2025.
Martin was the husband of Anita Schrier Kirwan for 66 years, until her passing in 2011. He was the father of Arlene Kirwan Avellanet and Gary Kirwan, father-in law to Francisco Avellanet and Robin Tucker Kirwan. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Gavin and Alexis Avellanet, Brendan and Kelsey Kirwan; as well as his great-grandchildren, Aidan and Noah Avellanet, their mother Wynne and Eleanor, Amelia, Knox and Gwynn Kirwan and their mother Hannah.
Martin was born and raised in Louisville, Ky to Dr. Martin Smith Kirwan and his wife Anastasia Walsh Kirwan. He was the eldest of six brothers and sisters, including his beloved Anna Kirwan Downs. Shortly after graduating from St Xavier High School he enlisted in the United States Navy, Submarine Service, where he rose to the rank of Electricians Mate, First Class. During those perilous years he participated in four war patrols in the Pacific on the USS Gunnel (SS-253). In the waning days of WWII he met his “dearest”, Anita, while on leave in New York City. Martin and Anita built their life and family in New Jersey, where he continued his education at Stevens Institute of Technology, obtaining both a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering. He achieved this while being a husband, father and employee of Western Electric and the Bell System (for over 48 years). During these decades he and Anita enjoyed traveling around our country and the world, enjoying many cultures, memories and avidly collecting art. Shortly after retirement he and Anita moved to Bahama, NC and became a founding member of St. Matthew Catholic Church where he joyfully honored his religion and his parish. During his retirement years he also enjoyed membership in several USN organizations, including the USSVI Tarheel Base. He was also honored by the Knights of Columbus, becoming a Fourth Degree Knight in 2018.
Our world will be a lesser place without this giant of a man. He taught us all to take “one day at a time,” secure in the knowledge that he was “surrounded by love” (two of his favorite sayings). He will be fondly remembered as “Marty the Mariner” to his family and “The Candy Man” to decades of parish children who enjoyed gifts of candy at the end of Sunday masses he attended. During those years he also had a more serious side, assisting many Vietnamese parish members and building friendships along the way.
In lieu of flowers we suggest a donation in Martin’s memory to either St. Matthew Church in Durham or Holy Family Catholic Church in Hillsborough, which he often attended in his final years.

Marty Martin served aboard the USS Gunnel (SS253), in the pacific theater. the Gunnel carried
out nine war patrols, and martin was on the second, third, fourth and fifth patrols with Lt.Commander John “Jack” McCain who went on to be a 4 star Admiral and father of Senator John McCain.

Marty Kirwan staying warm with a blanket donated by Keith Simpson[/caption