Originally posted from Kane Funeral Home website
EASTON—Robert L. “Bob” Martin, 85, a resident of Easton for the past 25 years, passed away on June 14, 2021 unexpectedly.
Born in Brockton, a son of Oscar and Eva (Beland) of Brockton, he was raised in Brockton and was a graduate of Brockton Business School.
A veteran of the US Air Force, he served as A/2c where he met his future wife Yvonne (Denet) Martin in France and came back to Brockton where they had 4 boys.
He started Martin Last Remodeling, and shoe and clog businesses in Brockton before moving to California for 20 years to continue his career in research and development at Vans sneaker company.
He then moved back to Easton to care for his aging parents, He enjoyed woodworking and making his wishing wells. He loved a good cup of coffee and smooth talking the ladies.
Robert is survived by his children, Jeffrey Martin and his wife Paula (Spadea) of Brockton, Philip Martin and his wife Evelyn Nye of Avon, Gerald Martin and his wife Lisa of Lincolnton, NC., and Robert Martin Jr. of Brockton; his siblings, Marie Pentleton of Brockton, Louise Raynard of Avon and Doris Sacco of CT., two grandchildren, Nicole Martin of Taunton and Thimothee Martin of Brockton; and one great grandchild, Gianna. He was also the brother of the late Edward Martin and Joseph Martin.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the funeral on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. from Kane Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 605 Washington Street, Easton, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. in the Pearl Street United Methodist Church, 415 Pearl Street, Brockton. Interment with military honors will follow in Knollwood Memorial Park, Canton. Visiting hours on Monday from 4-7 p.m. Donations in Robert’s memory may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, 309 Waverley Oak Road, Waltham, MA. 02452. For directions or condolences visit www.kanefuneralhome.com
I will miss the friendship I forged with Bob Martin over the years. He was a remarkable friend; true-hearted and kind.
Bob Martin first moved into #222 Fifth Street. The EMHOA, Inc (Association) Annual Reports show Bob serving as President as early as 1998. I am grateful to have worked with Bob on matters for the Association from Jan. 2005 to June 2007 and then again from 2011 thru 2018. I remember viewing a Town of Easton video of a 2003 [or 2004] meeting where Bob along with Teresa Connor of #207 Fifth St testified before the Town Administrator and Select Board requesting Rent Control for the Park.
Bob always opened his home for Board Meetings and donated countless hours researching the MGLs, phone-calling and organizing fund raising events. At one point he even loaned the Association money for legal fees. In June 2007 Bob moved to California after the Association won a 2½-year court battle against the owner of the park, Easton MHC, LLC aka MHC, LLC [Robert C Morgan] for illegal rent increases & other violations of the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), Chapter 140, §§ 32A-32S.
Bob returned to Massachusetts in 2008 and purchased #306 Sixth St. By 2011 he was voted back onto the EMHOA Board as a Director with the Scot Walsh regime. The Board had been busy in their pursuit for Rent Control in the Easton Mobile Home Park.
In 2013, after she had been sworn in, Rep Claire Cronin’s first order of business was to submit House Bill H.1106 An Act Providing for Rent Regulation and control of evictions in mobile home park accommodations in the town of Easton.
On May 7, 2013, Bob {along with Town Administrator, David Colton, Brenda Carter of #12A First St and myself} testified before the Massachusetts State House – Joint Committee on Housing in favor of the Bill H.1106. It was signed into law by the Governor on Sept. 26, 2013.
I consider it a privilege to have had the opportunity to serve with neighbors like Bob Martin, Scot Walsh and so many others on the EMHOA, Inc Board.
Respectfully, Pam Widdop