Date of Service:
February 19, 2022
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
Vero Beach, Florida – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Vero Beach Attorney Martin E. Wall, 76, who died on Feb. 6, 2022, six days short of his 77th birthday. He is survived by his loving companion of 28 years, Barbara Von Herbulis, his cousin, Rev. Philip Endean, S.J., of Paris, France, and numerous other cousins living in England, and his treasured dog, Tipper.
Born in Jackson Heights, Queens, NY, he was the son of the late Austin J. Wall and Adolphine “Alphina” (Radford) Wall. The family moved to Vero Beach when he was a teenager, and he graduated from Vero Beach High School in 1963. An honorably discharged Air Force veteran, Martin graduated from Indian River Community College, where he was the first recipient of the college’s Award for Community Service, given for his service in various organizations serving youth and the disadvantaged in the county and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Miami.
He enrolled in the University of West Florida, having been awarded the first Martin Louis Levin Scholarship, a two-year tuition scholarship from a prominent Pensacola law firm. While a student, he was President of the Student Senate and member of the University Executive Council. He also was active in the Newman movement, the campus Catholic organization. He graduated from UWF in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in political science.
Even in college, Martin was drawn to public service. While a senior, he was appointed the state VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) Supervisor and Program Coordinator in the Office of the Governor, Office of Economic Opportunity. After graduation, he worked for two years as a counselor in the Clearfield Job Corps Urban Center, Clearfield, Utah, providing academic, vocational, and personal counseling to underprivileged young people.
In 1971, he was named Admissions Director of Westminster College, Salt Lake City, supervising national student recruitment programs and a variety of other administrative functions. This position gave him the opportunity to travel all over the country and began his lifelong love of travel. It was a point of pride that he visited all 50 states twice.
While in Salt Lake City, he participated in activities of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City, including service as Vice Chairman of the Diocesan Development Drive. He also was an outspoken advocate on such social justice issues as housing for the poor.
Martin returned to Florida in 1973 to become Executive Director of the Office of Planning and Development for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. He left that position to attend the Center for the Study of Law at Nova Southeastern University, and was awarded his Juris Doctor in 1978.
Martin was a practicing attorney for more than 40 years and an astute observer of the local scene for many decades. For most of that time, he was a sole practitioner in Vero Beach, focusing his practice on the areas of property, business, commercial, probate and guardianship law. He also served the people of Indian River County in a number of appointed positions. Martin served for several years on the Indian River County Housing Authority and for two terms as its Chairman. During his tenure, the Housing Authority opened the Orange Park and Victory Park Apartment Complexes.
In addition, he served for a number of years as Vice Chairman of the Indian River County Overall Economic Development Plan Committee, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners, and he was a member of the Indian River County Economic Development Council. He was Vice Chairman of the Sierra Club of Indian River Area for two years. Outside of these positions, his community service as a lawyer was honored in 1988 with the Indian River County Bar Association and Florida Rural Legal Services, Inc. Pro Bono Publico Award for free representation of those in need.
Throughout his life, Martin devoted much time and energy to Catholic Church activities. He worked to promote the Jospice (St. Joseph’s Hospice) International Movement in the United States. Jospice is an English Catholic charity specializing care for the terminally and incurably ill. Locally, he provided legal work for the Paulist Fathers, an order of Catholic priests who, among other things, serve in local parishes around the country. Martin helped the priests establish their Paulist House in Vero Beach in 1985, and provided them with more than 30 years of legal counsel. In November 2021 he was one of the recipients of the Paulists’ national “Spirit of Hecker” award, named for the order’s founder, as a person who had contributed greatly to the success of the organization.
He also organized and helped promote the ecumenical movement among local religious groups across Indian River County, working with clergy from several denominations to bring people together in services that focused on mutual understanding and shared beliefs.
Martin never really retired, continuing to help people and organizations until the end of his life. He believed in the power of community, organizing many activities and get-togethers, encouraging new friendships, whether it be in professional or religious gatherings, his condo complex, or Vero Beach Dog Park. He made many friends along the way. Throughout his life, Martin never had a problem showing his generosity of spirit. He will be missed by many.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 19, 2022, at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 13075 US 1, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Paulist Fathers, 1225 20th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2024 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Diane Phillips DuBose - Long ago friend
February 11, 2022, 9:05 pm
So sorry to hear of Mr. Walls passing. I’ve known him since school. A quiet young man then, but if you had then chance to know him, he was a friend for life. My prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, and his dog Tipper. R.I. P. Mr. Wall, sit on a cloud, dangle your feet, and keep watch over your loved ones.
Brenda Winterton - Friend from Publix at Aprons Simple Meals
February 12, 2022, 2:35 am
My deepest sympathy, and prayers for your loss, Barbara. May he Rest in Peace in the arms of the dear Lord for his Eternity.
Nicole Colon - Friend
February 12, 2022, 5:47 pm
Your friends at Miracle Mile Publix were very sorry to hear of your passing . You will truly b missed.
Patricia Radford - Friend
February 13, 2022, 1:00 pm
So very sorry to see this. Marty was always a very nice person from the old courthouse days to seeing him at Publix (always in the lotto line). My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Cici Wear - friend
February 13, 2022, 2:53 pm
Marty was our first friend when we moved to Vero Beach in 1981. He was so kind and so much fun. I am just heartbroken to hear that he has passed. Sending my love to Barbara and Tipper.
Lynne Larkin - Friend
February 13, 2022, 5:30 pm
So terribly sorry, Barbara, my most sincere sympathies. May his memories be always with you.
Donna Vocelle - Friend
February 13, 2022, 5:44 pm
Barbara, I am so sorry, I didn’t know he was ill. He was a kind, gentle soul and he will be missed.
Sally - Friend
February 13, 2022, 5:49 pm
I was so sorry to hear of Marty’s passing. Well, I remember him, and all those long years ago when Barbara arrived in Vero! He epitomized what it means to be a good friend, and a good person. My most heartfelt condolences to Barbara, and a terry woof to Tipper.
Eugene O'Neill - Friend
February 13, 2022, 8:20 pm
So sorry and shocked to hear of Marty’s passing. Wished him happy birthday on Facebook yesterday morning, and then heard his name from the altar yesterday in church. I thought he must be on a sick list. Very sorry for your loss, Barbara. I thoroughly enjoyed talking with Marty at various Publix and the church.
JENNIFER WORTHAM - Friend from the dog park
February 14, 2022, 3:59 am
Barbara and Tipper–My thoughts have been with you. Marty was likely the first person I had contact with at the dog park and was always so kind, always remembering my schedule and job duties, always treating me with much respect, and always inclusive with me. I love you. Jen Wortham
Beth - Friend and client
February 14, 2022, 3:36 pm
Dear Barbara and family, words cannot express our sadness of Marty’s passing. His smile, his grace, his manners and his whole being were just so special and wonderful. He truly was a one of a kind and we need more gentle souls like Marty. I will really miss meeting him for lunch and sharing good conversation and friendship. Barbara, sending you peace and comfort.
David Albrecht - Friend/Colleague
February 14, 2022, 5:35 pm
I have fond memories of Marty all the way back to his returning to Vero Beach with his Law Degree as he set up his Practice. He was a very fine gentleman Attorney and I enjoyed sharing personal, legal and client issues with him over the years. Barbara, my sincerest Condolences on his passing. Marty did a lot of good and helped a lot of people. He will be missed. GodBless. David Albrecht
Siobhan Endean - Second cousin
February 15, 2022, 8:32 am
Dear Barbara, my sincere condolences for your loss. I remember Martin being such a kind, gentle man, who I wrote to as a child. His obituary sets out how much he gave to his community through out his life. I was so sorry to hear of his passing. My thoughts are with you. Siobhan
Rob Haughey - Friend
February 15, 2022, 4:42 pm
Marty was always so kind, friendly, and welcoming to myself, my wife, my step-son, and my pups. He truly loved his community, church, and the Vero Beach Dog Park. My favorite memories with Marty are he, friends, and I sitting on or standing near the dog park benches and talking about life.
Susan Wodtke Smith - Friend
February 16, 2022, 12:22 am
Marty was a true gentleman and he gave so much of himself to our community. I used to see him when I was in Publix while he was buying his lottery tickets. He always went out of his way to say hello with that big smile on his face. My sincere condolences to Barbara and family. RIP Marty, your work on earth is done, well done my good and faithful servant.
Pam and Jim Houdyshell - Friend
February 16, 2022, 5:28 pm
Barbra, We are so sorry your having to go through this… Marty certainly did his part on this earth – so humble and devoted. Call on me to help you out. RIP Marty You are loved and missed.
James L. Riley - Friend
February 17, 2022, 2:30 am
“Governor”,
From those initial days of our first meeting on the UWF campus and to being roommates there for two years, your friendship over the years since [1967] has been steadfast and one that I could always count on.
Although the turnout for a little known State Senator outside of Escambia County and the west Florida area, was a bit embarrassing for his speaking engagement whom you’d invited to our campus’s Young Democrats Club and the University Law Association, Mr. Askew made quite an impression upon the two of us during our stroll over the West Florida campus that evening after the meeting. We each did our parts to help in his gubernatorial election – although from within different parts of our State.
Marty, I am glad that I got the chance of visiting with you and Barbara a few years ago, but disappointed that my plans for a return visit and get together with you and Brad Culverhouse just could never materialize – mostly thanks to COVID. I am truly going to miss your informative emails and the occasional Bagley cartoon.
Rest In Peace my dear friend,
“Senator”
“Houston, Tranquility Base here. The eagle has landed.”
C Patrick Schulke - A friend who already misses his interesting e mails.
February 18, 2022, 9:08 pm
Dear Marty: please keep the prayers going for all of your many friends stuck down here trying to complete the many good things you started. I miss the frequent e mails we exchanged on events our church and the community. You were a stalwart on the Liturgy Committee when we worked on it and I’m sure you’ll share some good ideas with The Lord. Keep an eye on us Marty. We will meet again in The Lords House! Pat Schulke
Mona Klucinec - Friend
February 18, 2022, 10:54 pm
This is truly a shock. Marty was such a sweet kind giving, gentle soul with a great sense of Humor. I worked in the same building with him for years& we would always talk. He& I came from the same area in Ny& knew many of the same families. He would always come to the fundraisers I did for charity& that is where I met his Beloved Barbara. I am deeply sorry Barbara& to the rest of his family. We all lost a shining light in our lives. Love and prayers to all.
mrs manning - friends
March 30, 2022, 11:33 pm
Our hearts dropped when we heard the sad news. Martin was a life long friend and Barbara too.. We will miss you and in our hearts we will hold you dear..RIP love John, Dora, Sally and David Manning
Del Rey Staecker - long-time friend
May 12, 2022, 3:02 pm
Marty had a kind loving approach to life. He will be missed.