Arthur R. Martel, Jr., 78, of Caroline Avenue, Ipswich, died Wednesday, November 6, 2013 in the Blueberry Hill Nursing Center, Beverly following his brief illness.

Born in Ipswich November 6, 1935 , son of the late Arthur R. and Irene (Blanchard) Martel, he was raised in Ipswich, a 1953 graduate of Ipswich High School. He served two consecutive tours of duty with the US Army, one  in Korea during the years of conflict.

Following his discharge and return to Ipswich he became employed by Snowcrest Bottlers in Salem. He later went to on to be employed by Market Basket grocers in Lowell, more recently in Rowley, retiring in 1999 after more than twenty five years of service.

Arthur enjoyed traveling and  participating in the efforts  of the Martel Race Team. For many of these years he served in their pit crew.

He is survived by two sons, Jeffrey Martel and his wife Patty and Gary Martel and his wife Deborah; four grandchildren, Jacqueline, Nicholas, Griffin and Connor Martel; a great grandson, Jayson Strong,  all of Haverhill; a brother James Martel of Ipswich; a sister, Linda Mueller of Oakham; several nieces and nephews and his former wife Patricia Murray of Clearwater, FL.

Visiting hours will be Sunday 4 to 7 pm in the Whittier-Porter Funeral Home, 6 High Street, Ipswich. Family and friends are respectfully welcomed. Interment in the family lot will be private. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in his name may be made to the American Heart Association, 20 Speen Street, Framingham, MA  01701.