Tuesday, December 23, 2025 5:00 am

DOVER - Martin J. Connarton, age 78, of Dover, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2025, at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. Throughout these last months of illness and during his passing, Marty was surrounded by the love and support of his children and grandchildren.

Born on August 25, 1947, in Exeter, New Hampshire, Marty was the son of the late James and Mildred (Corliss) Connarton. From his early days, he was always someone who lived life with his own sense of purpose and originality.

After high school, Marty joined the U.S. Navy, where he served overseas during the Vietnam War. This experience shaped him into a person who believed deeply in service and sacrifice. When he returned home, he dove headfirst into education, earning his undergraduate degree in social work from Holy Apostles College with a minor in philosophy, and later, his MSW and DCSW from UConn's School of Social Work.

From there, he dedicated his life to helping others, specifically those struggling with mental health and substance abuse, as a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW). His career was a testament to his passion for helping people. He proudly worked well into his seventies, until his health no longer allowed him to do so.

Marty wasn't just a social worker; he was a devoted Catholic, a patriot, a philosopher, a lifeguard, and earlier in life, a passionate stock car driver and enthusiast. Marty never missed a chance to share his eclectic and often eccentric opinions. His favorite conversations revolved around theology, philosophy, and politics.

A lover of literature, Marty was a lifelong reader, always with a book in hand. Some of his favorites were The Catcher in the Rye and The Great Gatsby. His mind was always in motion, whether he was reading, talking politics, or calling into his son Matthew's radio show to offer his take on current events.

He very much supported the show's emphasis on music. He believed that we live in the "golden age of music" and was a true supporter of independent musicians, often championing college radio with the enthusiasm of younger generations.

While his love for sports, especially the New England Patriots and the UConn Huskies, was well known, Marty had a strong passion for exercise. He could often be found at the seacoast in the summer, where he swam the open ocean with skill and experience. He was also a strong advocate for keeping the mind and body sharp, always emphasizing the importance of a healthy diet and avoiding processed sugar.

Marty was previously married to the former Deborah Della Posta of Frankfort, NY, with whom he shared his two younger children, Linsey and Ryan. Along with his oldest son, Matthew, Marty blended his family and was immensely proud of them. In his later years, life brought him grandchildren, and he adored them beyond words.

Marty was predeceased by his parents, James and Mildred Connarton, and his brothers, Stephen and James.

Marty is survived by his three children, Matthew Connarton and his partner, Jenn Coffey, of Manchester, NH, Linsey and Garry Rumrill II of Frankfort, NY, and Ryan Connarton and Ashley Davis of Clayville, NY; his beloved grandchildren, Brady Della Rumrill and Garry Joseph Rumrill III; and his brother, Matthew Connarton of Dover, NH.

His wit, wisdom, and the unforgettable way he made every conversation feel like a lesson in life will be missed by all who knew him.