Robert Martin

Robert Martin Sr. went home to glory on Friday, December 11, 2020 at the age of 89. He lived in Marlborough, Massachusetts until his passing. Robert Sr. was born on March 25, 1931. He was one of nine children born to Lucy and Jared (Jerry) Martin in Everett, Massachusetts: Helen Reap, William Martin, Geraldine Jefferson, Elizabeth Watson, Joan Harris, Dorothy Long, Carol Holt and Richie Martin. He graduated from Everett High School where he excelled in sports like football, track and field. Robert later graduated from Franklin Technical Institute as a certified automobile mechanic. He met and married his late wife Dorothy Bess in 1949 with whom he had four children. He had a total of five children. During his life he worked at Cote Ford and United Parcel Service for many years advancing to the position of supervisor before retiring. Robert (Big Bobby) lived in Everett, Boston, Framingham, Vineland, NJ, New Orleans LA, Martha’s Vineyard and Marlboro MA.

Wherever he and his family moved, church membership was an essential part of creating a home. He was a lifelong member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, but also attended Charles St. AME Church and First Baptist Church of Vineyard Haven. He was also a founding and beloved member of Greater Framingham Community Church. One of his greatest passions was being a videographer who brought quality programming to the Framingham community. He received the Framingham Public Access TV, Lifetime Achievement Award. He was an avid gardener, sports aficionado, and a devoted motivator and “surrogate Dad”, for many young people. He was very active in NAACP during the 1960s civil rights movement and became a community activist during the hearings leading up to Boston Public School’s desegregation order. He was also Massachusetts state delegate to the Democratic National Committee and generously donated to many charitable organizations. He had a great sense of humor. He was a storyteller who loved to laugh and to make others laugh. He was known as a creative problem solver. He loved pets of all kinds and was especially fond of children.

He is survived by his children Robert Martin Jr. (Judith), Joyce Martin-Williams (Edward), Pamela Green (Isaac), Jerald Martin (Caroline) and Dammond Bonner. His beloved grandchildren are Ahmed Martin, Tracey L. Martin, Tara Martin, Isaac Green II, Anica Green, and Danaysia Bonner. He also leaves to cherish his memory, his dear brother Richie, three great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces nephews and friends.

Remembrances can be made as charitable donations to Greater Framingham Community Church, 44 Franklin Street, Framingham, MA 01752.

Services will be private due to the pandemic. The service can be accessed via private Zoom link. Please contact either Pamela Green at 919-564-5296 or Joyce Martin-Williams at (617) 699-9004 for the link.