Leon Charles Martel

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Leon Charles Martel, a distinguished scholar, educator, speaker, and author, who departed this world on September 22, 2023. Leon's remarkable journey began fittingly on Flag Day, June 14, 1933, in Providence, RI, where he was born to Leon Charles and Irene Cecile (Brouillette) Martel. He leaves behind a legacy of intellectual curiosity, impassioned teaching, and a deep commitment to advancing our understanding of the worlds of political science, international relations, and business.

Leon was a proud alumnus of Dartmouth College, where he graduated as a member of the Class of '55. Leon’s leadership as coxswain of the Heavyweight Rowing team also earned him membership in Dartmouth’s ‘Wearers of the Green’ athletics hall of fame. Recognizing his exceptional intellect and dedication to knowledge, he went on to pursue advanced degrees, earning both a Masters and PhD from Columbia University.

Throughout his illustrious career, Leon made indelible marks in academia, business, public policy, and international affairs. He served as a distinguished professor of political science at Hofstra University, where he taught courses and seminars in international relations, Soviet politics, American foreign and defense policy, and political methodology. There, he not only imparted his extensive knowledge to countless students but also inspired them to think critically about the world around them. He was voted “Teacher of the Year” in 1971 by Hofstra’s student body governing organization. His impact on his students extended far beyond the classroom, as many went on to pursue successful careers in academia, government, and international affairs.

Leon then assumed the positions of acting president, executive vice president, and director of the research management council of the Hudson Institute, a leading research organization that guides policy makers and global leaders in government and business through a robust program of publications, conferences, briefings, and recommendations. There he co-authored (with Herman Kahn and William Brown) the book "The Next 200 Years," a seminal work that forecasted the trajectory of global affairs with unprecedented prescience. Additionally, he penned several influential solo works, including "Lend, Lease, Loans and the Coming of the Cold War," "Mastering Change,” and "High Performers: How the Best Companies Find and Keep Them," each a testament to his deep understanding of the intricacies of political, business, and economic systems.

Leon later served as a senior fellow at The Conference Board, where he was a senior vice president, first for research, managing the Board’s extensive studies program and then for international programs, enhancing the organization's mission to promote economic growth and development. A frequent lecturer on coming economic, political, social, and technological changes and how to manage them, he made over 300 presentations as keynote speaker, featured speaker, or seminar leader to business audiences and professional association meetings in the United States and abroad.

Leon was also a retired Captain in the United States Naval Reserve with over 30 years of extensive professional experience in the fields of political and military intelligence. During his Naval career, he was assigned to lead many important projects, reports, and briefings, including in 1973, when he was recalled to active duty to serve as Operations Coordinator for the intelligence debriefing of Navy POWs returning from North Vietnam. He was the recipient of several military decorations including the Secretary of the Navy Medal for Achievement.

Throughout his life, Leon Martel was a visionary thinker, a mentor to many, and a dedicated advocate for education and research. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Leon was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His warmth, wit, and unwavering support endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on October 16th at Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne, MA on Cape Cod - only a short distance away from where he spent many summers enjoying New England’s best beaches and seafood with his close family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Eugen Rosenstock-Hussey Fund (https://www.erhfund.org/donate/), a cause close to Leon's heart, and where he was a Board Member Emeriti.

Leon was predeceased by his wife, Marilee Norling Martel, and his sister, Lucile Irene (Martel) Huggins. He is survived by his sister Claire Walker, brother-in-law John Walker, his sons Christopher Martel and Jonathan Martel, his daughter-in-law Anne Martel, his grandson Cameron Martel, and a community of colleagues, students, and friends who will forever cherish his memory. May he rest in eternal peace.