ORWELL — Wayne Alan Martel, age 75, passed peacefully in the presence of his family on Sunday, Feb. 26, 2023, at Helen Porter Nursing Home in Middlebury.

Wayne was born in Middlebury on Feb. 12, 1948. He was the son of Edward and Marjorie (Kimberley) Martel. He grew up in Orwell, where he received his early education, and graduated from Fair Haven Union High School.  He furthered his education at Wentworth Institute in Boston, Mass., and Keene State in Keene, N.H. He earned his teaching degree and later his Master’s in Education at UVM. During his more than 30 years of teaching Industrial Arts at Otter Valley Union High School, Wayne prided himself on being the teacher who respected his students and colleagues, and, in return, he received their respect.

In his spare time Wayne enjoyed fishing, hunting and maple sugaring with family and friends. He was a member of Independence Masonic Lodge in Orwell, the Congregational Church of Orwell, and the Orwell Fire Dept. He was a Boy Scout Leader, and served as a Town Lister.

He is survived by his wife, Shelley Martel of Orwell, whom he married in Brandon on Oct. 14, 1972; one daughter, Megan; three brothers:  Glenn, Gordon (Pam), Neil (Nancy); and one uncle, George. Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive him. He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and Marge Martel, and his loving grandparents, Warren and Gertrude Kimberley.

Graveside Masonic Services at Mountain View Cemetery followed by a celebration of life with family and friends will take place later this spring.

It is with profound gratitude that Shelley and Megan wish to thank the wonderful staff at Helen Porter who cared for Wayne as if he were their own family.

Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be made in Wayne’s memory to Orwell First Response, P.O. Box 124, Orwell, VT. 05760, or Homeward Bound Animal Shelter, 236 Boardman Street, Middlebury, VT 05753.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Miller & Ketcham Funeral Home in Brandon. ◊