Earl Anthony Chiafullo Martin, 85, of Richland died September 4, 2006 at home in the care of his loving family. Throughout his illness, as in health, his wife, family and friends were his primary concern.

Earl was born in San Francisco, CA on January 29, 1921 to Edna and Frank Chiafullo. He was raised by foster parents Lena and William Martin of Sacramento, CA. Earl served in the US Army Air Corps, achieving the rank of Sergeant, during World War II in the South Pacific.

He married Lois Jane Anderson on November 24, 1946 with whom he lovingly raised a family of four children. Lois passed away on October 30, 1993. He married Deanna Carlson on October 11, 2003, with whom he shared a love of chemistry, crossword puzzles, and each other’s children and grandchildren.

Earl graduated, with honors, from Sacramento State College in 1947. He received a Masters of Science degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Berkley, CA and studied for his PhD at the University of Washington.

Earl was hired as an organic chemist by General Electric later Battelle Northwest Laboratories which brought him and his family to Richland in 1959. He was highly regarded by his colleagues as a creative and skilled scientist and received several patents during his career.

Earl was also active in Richland Lutheran Church and the Tri-City Chaplaincy. He was proud of his leadership in the building selection committee responsible for RLC’s unique architecture as well as his service as a member of the board of RLC. He was active in religious education classes. He is remembered for his sense of humor, unique perspective, and story telling ability.

Earl is survived by his children, Michael AC Martin and his wife Gwen and their son Nathan; Christopher EC Martin and his daughter Keica; Paul FC Martin and his wife Kathy and their children Alexandra and Erik; Mary JC Cirone and her husband John and children, Peter, Christopher and Kelsey. Earl’s sister-in-law, Marion Vogel and her husband John are especially cherished by the family for their help and love during this time of our loss. He is also survived by his second wife Deanna and her children, Keith Carlson and his wife Susan and son Aaron; and Todd Carlson and his wife Edita, and girls Kiesha and Krystal.

Earl will be remembered by his family and friends for his love of learning. He was also a fan of sports and enjoyed listening to NPR. He was a lifelong student of languages, religions and cultures, and loved science, music, the arts and literature. Earl had an informed concern about world events. He challenged friends and family to deliberate with compassion and act wisely and unselfishly to leave a better world for all our grandchildren. In his later years Earl was challenged by failing eyesight, but persisted, with magnifying glass in hand, in reading the printed word. His mind was strong until the end.

A memorial service will be held at the Richland Lutheran Church, Thursday September 7, 2006 at 1:00 PM. Private interment will occur on Thursday morning at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Hospice Association of the Tri-Cities, 2108 W. Entiat, Kennewick, WA 99336.