Martin John (Marty) Woitko

Martin “Marty” Woitko, age 70, of Wilmington, DE, passed away peacefully on December 1, 2019 at Christiana Care Hospital surrounded by family and friends after a brief but courageous battle with Leukemia. 

Born in Hazleton, PA, Marty was the son of the late Andrew and Elizabeth Kozel Woitko. In 1954, his family moved to Newark, DE.  He graduated from Christiana High School in 1967.  

At the age of 18, Marty enlisted in the United States Navy and served with great dedication and pride. He was stationed with the 7th fleet in Vietnam and served as an Electricians Mate on the USS Ranger aircraft carrier.  The skills he learned in the Navy served him well, as he would often volunteer to help his many friends with small electrical projects.  Throughout his military career, Marty received many medals and commendations and was honorably discharged in 1973.  Marty continued his lifelong commitment to service by becoming a New Castle County Police Officer in 1973.  He retired in 1997 after 23 years of service and continued his public service with the US Marshall Service, working at the Federal Office Building in Wilmington for another 17 years, before retiring in 2015.     

Marty was a true patriot and a proud member of the Disabled American Veterans.  He was generous in supporting charitable causes and especially enjoyed volunteering at the annual Wheelchair Tennis Tournament. Over the years, he loved playing tennis, traveling, socializing Friday nights with his Happy Hour crowd, watching movies, tinkering around his home and spending time with his family and many friends.  “Uncle Marty” doted on his nieces and nephews and was an honorary uncle amongst many of his friends’ families over the years.  In 2018, Marty fulfilled a dream to purchase a retirement home in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida, where he hoped to spend winters relaxing, making more friends, playing tennis and enjoying a few Margaritas. He decorated his home in sunny Caribbean colors, ready to welcome his family and friends for visits. Marty was a loyal, generous and true friend who made us all laugh with his famous quick wit and sarcastic quips. He will be dearly missed by his loving family and many friends.  His passing leaves a large hole in our hearts.

Besides his parents, Marty was predeceased by his beloved nephews, Andy and Peter Woitko, and his sister-in-law, Frieda Woitko. He is survived by his brother, Andrew Woitko (Patricia); his sister, Mary Austin; his nieces and nephews, Paul Woitko (Amy), Robert Austin (Eileen), Courtney Austin Cober (Timothy), Shelly Austin; great nieces and nephews, and a multitude of family and friends. The family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the staff at Christiana Care Hospital and to Dr. Peter Abdelmessieh and his team for the compassionate care they provided to Marty. 

Family and friends are invited to a visitation on Saturday, December 14 at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Wilmington, DE 19808 from 10-11:30am, with a memorial service immediately following. Interment will be held privately.  

In lieu of flowers, a contribution in Marty’s name may be sent to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (1300 N. Grant Ave., Suite 100, Wilmington, DE 19806) or the Disabled American Veterans (PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301 or www.dav.org).

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