Dr. James Aloysius Gilmartin, 88, retired superintendent of the Hamburg Area School District, passed away Wednesday, June 19, 2024 in Country Meadows of Wyomissing. His wife, Pauline, died November 14, 2009.

He was the son of the late Joseph F. and Marie E. (McCawley) Gilmartin. Mr. Gilmartin was a native of Pittston, Luzerne County, where he attended Pittston City Schools. He was a graduate of the Class of 1952. Prior to enrolling at King's College Evening School in 1958, he worked in private industry for six years, enrolling full time in 1960. He received his degree in Economics from King's in 1962. Following graduation, he returned to his Alma Mater where he served as a Social Studies teacher for five years. He also coached varsity basketball for two years. Mr. Gilmartin continued his education at the University of Scranton where he received his Master's Degree in 1965. He did post graduate studies at Misericordia University, Marywood University, and Lehigh University to receive his Principal's certificate. He received an Honorary Doctorate from King's College at its 2020 Commencement.

In August 1967, he was named Assistant Principal at Hamburg Area Junior-Senior High School and moved up through the ranks until 1978 when he was elected Superintendent of Schools, a position he held for fourteen years until medical issues forced his retirement in 1992. While at Hamburg Area, he attended classes at University of Pennsylvania for his Letter of Eligibility, earning that distinction in 1971. An active community individual, Mr. Gilmartin served as a volunteer firefighter in Pittston and an ambulance attendant in both Pittston and Hamburg. He formerly serviced a term on the Berks County Chamber of Commerce, two terms as a Trustee of the Reading Area Community College, three terms as a Trustee of the Hamburg Center, and as a member of the Board of Trustees of the Berks County Community Foundation.

At the time of his death, he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Berks County Municipal Authority, Member of the President's Advisory Council of Alvernia University, Board member of the Blue Mountain Horizon Chorus, Member of the Niagara Engine Company, Pittston, and both the Hamburg Schuylkill Valley and Berks County Association of School Retirees.

A member of St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, Hamburg and its Holy Name Society. He is also a member of John F. Kennedy Council, Fourth Degree, Knights of Columbus in Pittston. Following his retirement, he wrote a weekly column in the Sunday Dispatch in Pittston and in recent years did likewise for the South Schuylkill News. He also served as acting Superintendent in nine districts in Berks and Schuylkill Counties as well as returning to Hamburg Area in 2006-2007 to serve as its Acting Superintendent.

He is survived by his sister in law: Mary Zorzi, Wilkes Barre; and several nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, June 29, 2024 beginning promptly at 10:30 am from St. Mary Roman Catholic Church, 94 Walnut Road, Hamburg, PA 19526. Burial will be private in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton, PA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to be sent to: St. Mary Roman Catholic Church at the above address.

Leibensperger Funeral Homes, Inc., is honored to serve our lifelong friend. For online condolences, please visit www.leibenspergerfuneralhomes.com