'Kind Soul:' Bayville Man Mourned After Fatal Crash

BERKELEY, NJ — Jeffrey Martin loved playing "Pokémon GO" with his son, watching the Buccaneers, fishing and crabbing. Martin was one of two people who died Monday in a crash on Route 9.

Frank Brooks, 31, of Beachwood, also died in the crash. The cause of the accident is under investigation. Read more: 2 Die In Berkeley Rt. 9 Crash, Victims Identified

Martin was the primary caretaker for his son, Sammy, according to a GoFundMe raising money for Martin's funeral.

"Jeff was such a kind soul who loved his son beyond words," said Debbie Paton, who organized the GoFundMe.

Martin, 41, was raised in Lakewood before moving to Florida. He returned to New Jersey in 1999 and lived in Bayville. He was a professional painter for Maguire Painting LLC in Bayville and also a "Star Wars" and "Star Trek" enthusiast, according to his obituary.

Because of Martin's age and unexpected death, there had been no arrangements for his final expenses. The family is doing everything they can to cover costs but could use assistance, according to the GoFundMe.

Martin is also survived by his parents, Raymond, Sr. and Carol Martin of Bayville; his siblings, Raymond Martin, Jr. and his wife Michelle of Bayville, James Rood of Bayville, Linda Lang of Little Egg Harbor, and Jessica Lentz of Toms River; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Visitation will take place from 4-8 p.m. Monday at the D'Elia Funeral Home (1300 Vermont Ave., Lakewood). His funeral will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the funeral home. Burial will follow in the Laurelton Baptist Church Cemetery in Brick.

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