Obituary of Martin Gualdarrama

Martin Gualdarrama died with his cherished companion Charisa at his side,  after a long illness, on Wednesday, November 24, 2021 at the age of 55. He was born in Paterson, NJ on December 20, 1965, to Candido Gualdarrama and Rose Fulvi. Martin was adopted by Clara and Restituto Gualdarrama as a baby.

Martin was a security supervisor at the Willowbrook mall for several years, as well as many other New Jersey area malls, including the Bridgewater and Wayne Townsquare malls. He was a familiar and friendly face at every mall he was posted to. Martin forged many longtime friendships with his colleagues, merchants and mall patrons alike over the years. 

Martin was a mentor to children with special needs during his time at Mt. St. Joseph Children’s Center in Totowa, NJ. He was a generous and kind-hearted man, who always looked out for those less fortunate. 

Martin was also passionate about dogs, and animal welfare in general. He had a special place in his heart for his beloved dogs, Jäger, a Miniature Schnauzer, and Wylie, a Westie mix.

Martin fought hard throughout his illness and never backed down. His warm-hearted nature, smile and laugh were among his best attributes. Martin will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Martin was predeceased by his parents, Restituto and Clara Gualdarrama; his brother, Michael Gualdarrama; and his beloved dog, Xander. He is survived by his former spouse, Charisa Harmon; one sister, Andrea Lebron; three brothers, Eugene, Greg and Joseph Gualdarrama; his dogs, Wylie and Jäger; and many dear friends. 

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend a visitation from 1:00PM to 5:00PM on Sunday, December 5, 2021 at the Madison Memorial Home, 159 Main Street, Madison, NJ. Prior cremation will be held privately. A funeral service celebrating Martin's life will be held at 3:00PM at the funeral home during the visiting hours. *For the safety of all, the family kindly requests that all those attending the visitation and funeral services wear a mask regardless of vaccination status.* 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that charitable contributions be made in Martin’s memory to New Jersey Schnauzer Rescue Network, Inc., PO Box 36, Fanwood, NJ 07023 or Byram Animal Rescue Kindness Squad, 10 Mansfield Drive, PO Box 593, Stanhope, NJ, 07874