Eric E. Martins

On Thursday, January 29, 2026, Eric Evan Martins of Hamilton, NJ, passed away at the age of 52 in his home with his wife, Deanna, by his side after a short battle with a rare, but aggressive form of cancer.

Eric was born on December 14, 1973 in Woodbury, NJ, the only child of Linda and Jack Martins. He graduated from Washington Township High School in 1992. He went on to attend Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey, followed by law school at The University of Pennsylvania. Eric worked at Drinker, Biddle, and Reath in Princeton for a few years before going into politics and lobbying full-time. He worked for over 20 years at Duane Morris Government Strategies where he was a managing partner, while also serving on numerous boards. Eric was named a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor bestowed by the Governor of Kentucky for noteworthy public service and accomplishments. It was a title that Eric was very proud of.

Eric was an amazing husband to Deanna for over 20 years. His wife and their two children, Eric Jr. and Owen, were his entire life. He loved to travel with his family and was the quintessential hockey dad. Eric also loved playing the guitar. He took it everywhere and would play every chance he got. His dad even built him a few guitars, which he played and proudly displayed in his office at home. Eric also had a passion for biohacking and coffee, and he loved to engage with anyone who had similar interests. He had the gift of gab and rarely was seen without a giant smile on his face. He was loved by many.

Eric was predeceased by both of his parents, Jack and Linda Martins who passed away in 2017 and 2022. He is survived by his wife, Deanna and his two boys, Eric Jr.,(16) and Owen(14). He is also survived by his aunt and uncle, Maria and Bill Byrne and his cousins, Chris Byrne, his wife Eliza and their daughter Zoe, and Kevin Byrne and his son Brek.

A viewing will be held Monday, February 9, 2026 from 4-8pm  with the funeral service beginning at 6pm at the Peppler Funeral Home, 114 S. Main St. Allentown. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Eric’s name to the Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation at www.cholangiocarcinoma.org