LEICESTER: Robert M. Martin 83, of Rochdale MA, died Wednesday, Aug. 24 at UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester surrounded by his family. Bob was a loving husband, father and friend to many.
He leaves his wife of 63 years, Janet A. (O'Brien) Martin, his sons David R. Martin and his wife Linda of No.Brookfield, Ronald S. Martin of Rochdale, and his former wife Donna Mae Jones of Belchertown, Steven P. Martin and his wife Karen of Holland and John P. Martin and his wife Dawn of Leicester, a sister Rena Shocik of Cherry Valley. 11 grandchildren; Joel, Laura, Megan, Abigail, Keith, Jeremy, Cheryl, Jeffrey, Kayla, Kyle and Joshua, and 9 great grandchildren, nieces and nephews and godson Paul Janaitis. He is predeceased by 4 grandchildren; Thomas Ryan, Jessica Lee, Alissa Lynn and Michael Richard and his sister Jeanne Janaitis.
Bob was a longtime self-employed carpenter and contractor of Bocian and Martin. Later he was the carpenter for the Mass. Turnpike Authority for 10 years before retiring in 1994 upon which he, his wife and their dogs enjoyed traveling the country in their RV.
Born in Laconia, NH., he was the son of Ernest J. and Lillian E. (Jacques) Martin, and later graduated from Worcester Boys Trade School. He enjoyed camping, water skiing and boating with his family. He was a Boy Scout and Cub Scout leader and along with his wife involved with 4-H Camp Marshall in Spencer. He loved volunteering at the Leicester Recycle Center and tinkering in his garage.
Along with his wife, Bob loved spending winters in Englewood, FL and was a longtime active member of the Greenville Baptist Church of Rochdale and the First Baptist Church of Englewood.
There are no calling hours. A Memorial Service and reception will be held on Sunday, August 28 at 2:30 p.m. in Greenville Baptist Church, 684 Pleasant St., Rochdale. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Greenville Baptist Church, P.O. Box 396, Rochdale, Ma. 01542 and/or The First Baptist Church of Englewood, 278 S Mango St., Englewood, FL 34223.
Morin Funeral Home, 1131 Main St., Leicester is assisting the family with arrangements.