Martin J. Cain III

ARUNDEL – Martin J. Cain III, longtime owner and trusted mechanic at MM&J Garage in Arundel, who proudly served as a lighthouse keeper on Goat Island during the historic blizzard of 1978, died on Sept. 7, 2025, after a brief illness. He was 74.

A beloved Arundel resident and dedicated public servant, Marty was a respected member of the Arundel Planning Board for 26 years, and a steadfast presence in the community he loved and served throughout his life.

Marty was born on Oct. 4, 1950, a loving son of Martin J. Cain, Jr. and Mary Kelly. He grew up in Tinton Falls, N.J., and graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in 1969.

Following high school, Marty joined the Coast Guard. Martin shared 50 years of marriage with his loving wife, Kathleen Mae Cain. Together, they raised two sons, Martin J. Cain IV, of North Berwick; and John Cain, of Biddeford.

Marty took great pride in serving as lighthouse keeper at Goat Island Light in Cape Porpoise from 1975-1978. During this time, Marty and his family were living full time on Goat Island.

In a 2019 blog by Val Marier, Marty described the harrowing moment he nearly got swept away during the historic blizzard of 1978. The storm coincided with a new moon, which brought intense winds, an astronomical high tide, and catastrophic coastal flooding to the Northeast.

“I woke up about 5:30 hearing a strange noise,” Marty says. “I walked down the covered walkway that connects our quarters to the lighthouse and heard water rushing underneath. When I went back to the kitchen and closed the door, we all heard a horrible noise. The 125-foot walkway was ripped right off the house. It folded like an accordion. It’s a sound I’ll never forget. If I’d still been in the walkway, I would have been washed out to sea.”

The family had no electricity or heat, and no way to escape to the mainland. A couple of days later, they were rescued by a Coast Guard helicopter.

Marty’s time as a lighthouse keeper soon came to an end.

In 1980, Marty opened MM&J Garage in Arundel, which he operated until his passing. He was remembered this week as a happy-go-lucky person, who enjoyed sitting with customers and conversing over a Dr. Pepper and a sandwich. He was a respected, hard-working, and trusted mechanic, who could fix any car.

“I think he really liked the challenge of trying to figure out what was wrong with a car, and make it affordable for his customers,” said his son, John. “He was always looking to help people in the community.”

Marty’s son and namesake, Martin Cain IV, said he admired his father’s knowledge about everything and his willingness to help anyone who needed it.

“I’m going to miss his love for everyone. He was always a man who was willing to give the shirt off his back to help someone and not expect anything in return. The world lost a legend, and he will be dearly missed.”

In Marty’s early years, he served as Scout Master for Troop 330 of Arundel for about 15 years. He led scouting trips to campgrounds throughout Maine, and trips to Prince Edward Island. John said the cardinal rule was to never touch him to wake him up.

“He was the type of guy, if you would touch him, he would come around swinging,” John said. “That was the staple rule. When Mr. Cain was sleeping, and if you need Mr. Cain, you holler to him.”

Marty was a valued and highly respected member of the Arundel Planning Board for the past 26 years. He was great resource for the history of Arundel, its Planning Board, and the Land Use Ordinance. He would often reflect how about life was back then.

“Marty was a dedicated person that cared a lot for the Town of Arundel and was diligent in his efforts to serve,” said Richard Ganong, chairman of the board. “Marty attended every meeting and site walk that was conducted and he will be missed and remembered fondly.”

He is survived by his two sons, Martin and his wife Rebecca Lewis Cain, of North Berwick, and his daughter, Colby Cain, of Scottdale, Penn.; and his son, John Cain, of Biddeford, his daughters, Lily and Bella Cain, also of Biddeford, and John’s significant other.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, at Arundel Cemetery. 10 Walkers Ln., Kennebunkport.

Arrangements are under the care of Dobson Funeral Services. 

To share memories of Marty please visit, http://www.dobsonfuneralservices.com.