Robert “Bobby” Martin passed away peacefully August 29, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family. Born Nov. 3, 1936, in Freehold, Bobby grew up in Colts Neck, and married and raised his family there until settling in Eatontown.
A 1956 graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School, Bobby went on to serve his country by joining the National Guard; he served his community through his career with Jersey Central Power & Light, retiring as a chief lineman after 40 years.
After retiring from JCP&L Bobby continued to work, using his talents as a carpenter, electrician, plumber and handyman as part of the maintenance crew at Laurel Gardens, where he resided. He was also a long-time employee of the John E. Day Funeral Home, bringing comfort to others with his kindness and compassion.
He was a man of deep religious conviction, serving his church, St. Leo the Great in Lincroft, not only as an usher but as a founding member of the Holy Name Society softball league and the annual carnival. His dedication was instrumental in transforming the church community into what it is today, and he was extremely honored to receive the Lumen Christi Award in 2014 from his church.
He will forever be remembered as a loyal friend with a sharp sense of humor. His laughter was contagious, he had a story for every occasion and he had an innate ability to bring companionship, joy and an appreciation for life to all of those around him. If you were fortunate enough to have been a friend of his, you were a friend for life. Nearly 70 years later, Bobby continued to attend luncheons with a group of Red Bank Catholic High School friends.
In his spare time, he enjoyed taking in nature on his patio with his trusted companion Chips the chipmunk, sharing a cold glass of chardonnay with his friends, and cheering on his favorite college football team, Notre Dame. Bobby was a proud member of the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, and greatly enjoyed watching NASCAR and boat racing.
Bobby was predeceased by his parents John and Agnes (Conway) and his brother John.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife Elna; son Michael and his wife LuAnn; daughter Michele and her partner Rob; granddaughter Kerry Ann and her husband Mike; grandson Daniel; granddaughter Erin Grace; and his many adoring relatives and friends.
Family and friends visited Sept. 5 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Sept. 6 at St. Leo the Great Church, Lincroft. Burial followed at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Middletown.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bobby’s name to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation at t2t.org or to the Monmouth County SPCA.
Memories and condolences may be shared at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
This article originally appeared in the September 7 – 13, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
