Martin William Leyland of New Hope (Solebury Township), PA, died on Monday, March 10, 2025, at his home. He was 77 years old.
Born a twin in Hoylake, Cheshire, England, the family moved to St. Helens, Lancashire when he was three years old. Martin and his twin sister Susan grew up within the community of the YMCA in St. Helens, where their father was the General Secretary. Their mother Betty died suddenly when they were seven years old. Later their father married Jean Tunstall and their sister Jane was born. The family moved to London when Martin was 18 years old, at the same time as he went to university. Martin was a career educator with a passion for teaching and learning. He earned an Honors Degree in Geography from Sussex University in England and began his teaching career in Reading, England. His adventurous spirit led him to Bermuda, where he taught and played semi-professional soccer. It was also in Bermuda where he met the love of his life, Ana Maria Trifun.
Martin later moved to the United States, where he taught Geography and U.S. History at the Solebury School in New Hope, PA, and the Chapin School in Princeton, NJ. He also served as Headmaster of the American Boy Choir School in Princeton, NJ. Throughout his career, Martin inspired generations of students with his deep knowledge, passion for education, and commitment to their success. He was delighted when Jonathan and Christopher completed their pilot training. He greatly valued the love and support of Ana’s parents and her brothers with his own family so far away in England.
In addition to his love for teaching, Martin was an avid soccer player and coach. He spent over thirty years mentoring players in the New Hope and Princeton areas, and his dedication to the sport was matched only by his unwavering support for his beloved Manchester United football team. He had strong values and took a great interest in current affairs, reading the New York Times every morning. He loved their garden and was so proud of all that Ana did to make it so beautiful.
Outside of soccer, Martin enjoyed golf, often enjoying rounds with his sons and friends in his beloved Marco Island. He was also a talented woodworker, crafting beautiful furniture for his home, family, and friends. His work was showcased at the Amano Gallery in Lambertville, a business he and his wife established and operated for 43 years.
Martin and Ana celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary on December 9, 2024. Their devotion to each other, both in their family life and professional endeavors, was evident to all who knew them. It was not uncommon to find Martin at the gallery, lending a hand in whatever task was at hand. Above all, Martin cherished his family. He was a wonderful host and a talented chef, so happy when he was barbecuing for family and friends.
In addition to his wife Ana, Martin is survived by his sons and their families: Jonathan Leyland, his wife Katherine, and their sons Whitaker and Walker of Doylestown, PA; and Christopher Leyland and his wife Jordan of Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by his twin sister Susan Newsom and her husband Robert of London, England; his sister Jane Rees and her husband Steve of Stone, England; his father-in-law Joseph Trifun of North Bergen, NJ; his brothers-in-law Luis Trifun, Carlos Trifun, and Rudy Trifun and their families. Martin was the son of the late William and Betty Potter Leyland, and the son-in-law of the late Nancy Troche Trifun. He is also survived by many relatives, friends, and the students he mentored over his distinguished career.
A memorial gathering will be scheduled for a future date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Martin’s memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity International, 322 West Lamar Street, Americus, Georgia 31709-3543.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Van Horn-McDonough Funeral Home, 21 York Street, Lambertville, NJ 08530
