Robert E. Gilmartin, 89, was born in Fitchburg, MA on March 3, 1929 to Irene Jones Gilmartin and Paul Gilmartin. He attended Fitchburg schools and Colorado A & M after his discharge from the Air Force. He served in the U.S. and Korea and was honorably discharged in 1954.
He met Maureen Quinn, a student nurse attending Fitchburg State College and they married in Arlington, MA in September 1957. They were married 61 years.
Growing up in the Depression and a childhood of adversity certainly shaped his thinking and ways. His dream in life was that he would own his own business and to take very good care of his family. He succeded in both of these aspects admirably.
In 1966, he moved his family from California to Houston, Texas where he worked for Simplex Time Recorder Co and in 1976 he established Houston Equipment Co. He was owner and operator until 2013 when a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease forced him to retire. He accepted his illness with dignity and grace and never complained.
Bob had a great love for cars, especially those of the era in which he grew up. He could quickly tell you the make and model of most older cars he saw. At the time of his death, he owned a 1936 Ford Phaeton Touring car that the top had never been down and a 1940 Ford Coupe Deluxe that the top had never been up.
Bob was a born salesman and as the saying goes “he could sell arrows to Indians!” He loved making a deal! Aside from his family, it was his passion.
Bob also will be remembered for his storytelling and his gift of gab. One of his neighbors said he was the funniest man he had ever met. Many would attest to that. He never met a stranger and enjoyed being with people. He was kind, loving, generous, and helped a lot of people without a lot of fanfare. He loved his children and grandchildren and enjoyed being in their company.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Paul Gilmartin and John Gilmartin, sister Jean Gilmartin McPhearson, son-in-law James Ham, brothers and sister-in-laws Thomas W. Quinn, Edward W. Feeley and Jacqueline Quinn Aiken. Left to honor and cherish his memory are his wife Maureen Gilmartin, daughters Jacqueline Ham, Julie Krempa and her husband John Krempa. Sons Robert Gilmartin and James Gilmartin. Granddaughters Lindsey Ham, Katherine Ham, Caroline Krempa, Quinn Gilmartin and Suzannah Gilmartin. Brothers Phillip Gilmartin and sister Mary Radzinski. Sisters-in-law Mary Ellen Quinn, Eleanor Feeley and Dorothy Gilmartin. Brother-in-law James Quinn. Many nieces and nephew as well as his very good friends Edward Olmo and Michael Vecellio.
The family wishes to thank everyone at Belmont Village, Treemont and The Forum for their help and care for Bob during his illness.
A memorial service will be Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 11:00 am in The Hunters Creek Chapel at Earthman Funeral Directors, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas with a reception to follow. Burial at Houston National Cemetery will be at a later date.
Memorial donations can be made in memory of Bob to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
