Robert “Bob” Martin died peacefully on September 21, 2022. He was 80 years old.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, on January 18, 1942, to William and Anna Martin, Bob was endlessly curious, he earned an MBA at Suffolk University in 1968, and was creative all his life. For more than 60 years, he told stories through music, playing guitar and writing singular folk songs that led to a recording contract with RCA Victor in the 1970s. Generations of critics and listeners consider his first album, Midwest Farm Disaster, a masterpiece of American folk music. He later wrote, recorded, and released music on his own terms, and played gigs well into his 70s. After releasing Midwest Farm Disaster, he joined the counterculture “back to the land” movement, retreating with his family to a mountaintop homestead in West Virginia. There, he farmed with pulling ponies, designed wind generators, and led the Mountain Heritage School. He eventually returned to Lowell, where he taught in the public elementary schools between musical outings.
Bob was a painter, a poet with an affinity for the Beat Generation, and a writer of two unpublished novels. A constant tinkerer and inventor, he held patents, and was an avid gardener, beekeeper, vegetarian, and kombucha maker long before it was trendy. To celebrate his 50th birthday, Bob ran the Boston Marathon. He loved discussing politics, a good IPA beer, dogs, horses, and all things connected to his Irish heritage.
Bob leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Anne Marie, daughter Tami, son Jesse, grandchildren Jack and Delia, brother William, and sister Joan, his in-laws from the Zabierek family including (James preceded in death), Stanley, Steve, Robert, Linda, Walter, and Pamela, along with their spouses, and many nieces, nephews, and friends.
Bob’s art and spirit live on at riversong.com.
Relatives and friends will be received at the TYNGSBOROUGH FUNERAL HOME 4 Cassaway Dr., Tyngsborough on Sunday, Oct. 2, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. A Funeral Home Service will take place immediately following at 4 p.m. which will be livestreamed and accessible from the following link. https://client.tribucast.com/tcid/4239860164
Boston Globe obituary link: https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/bostonglobe/name/robert-martin-obituary?id=36601481
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