Rapid River, MIMartin P. Salley, 65, of Rapid River, MI passed away Thursday April 28, 2016 at the St. Francis Hospital in Escanaba following a lengthy illness.
Martin was born April 26, 1951 in Escanaba, MI the son of Willard and Madelene (Martens) Salley. He was raised in Rapid River and graduated in 1969 from Rapid River High School. Following graduation, Martin served his country in the U.S. Navy on many Battle Ships until his honorable discharge in 1974.
Martin was united in marriage to the former Mary LaBelle on March 6, 1972 at the St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba. They made their home in Naples, FL where Martin became a cabinet-maker and owned and operated his own company Great Lakes Cabinet Shop. In 1998, Martin closed his company with a deep desire to return to the Upper Peninsula and they moved to their current location in Rapid River. Martin obtained his C.N.A. and worked for Christian Park Health Care Center, Tendercare and Christian Park Village until he became ill.
Martin was a member of the St. Charles Catholic Church in Rapid River and a former member of the Rapid River American Legion Post #301. His hobbies included hunting, watching movies, trivia and motorcycle riding. He enjoyed spending time with his family and all who knew him will sadly miss him.
In addition to his wife of 44 years, Mary, survivors include:
Daughter: Natasha Salley of Irving, TX
Brother: Bill (Joanne) Salley of Naples, FL
Sisters:
Marilyn McKernan of Sierra Madre, CA
Annette Arnold of Naples, FL
Lois Gregory of Ontonagon, MI
Chris (Ron) Esposito of Apopka, FL
Father-in-law: Lionel (Jerine) LaBelle of Escanaba
Brothers-in-law: Gary LaBelle of Leesburg, FL and Rick (Gina) LaBelle of Duluth, MN
Sisters-in-law: Darlene (Cameron) LaBelle of Port Lambton, Ontario, Cindy (Dan) LaBelle of Tavares, FL, Dawn (Mike) Wolfe of Wells, MI and Diane (Van) Stanley of Florence, WI
Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends also survive.
In addition to his parents, his mother-in-law, Mary Lou, sister-in-law, Sharon Pearson, brothers-in-law, Bill McKernan, John Arnold and Lou Gregory preceded Martin in death.
Martin
arlene houston - Battlecreek, Mi
I’m so sorry for your loss. Martin is with Marion and Gus, his mom and dad, and everyone who has gone before. Praying for the comfort of all the family..