Rodger F. Martin, Jr.
Loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend Rodger F. Martin, Jr., 67, of Southbury, Connecticut, died Wednesday, April 6, at Danbury Hospital surrounded by family after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Clinton, Massachusetts, May 17, 1948, son of Rodger F. Martin, Sr. a lifelong Lowell, MA resident, currently living in Chelmsford, MA, and the late Katherine M. (Bailey) Martin. He was the beloved husband of Linda Richards Martin. In addition to his wife and father, Rodger will remain loved by a daughter, Carolyn Hissong and her husband, Adam, of Cary, IL; a son, Joseph Martin and his wife, Christine, of Atlanta, GA; four grandchildren, who will always miss their special Bumpa, Evan, Nicholas and Jack Hissong and Mary Katherine Martin. Rodger will also be missed by his two sisters, Kathleen Whittaker and her husband, Forrest, of Lake Forest, IL and Elizabeth McNamara and her husband, Kerry, of Osterville, MA; two brothers, Brian J. Martin and his wife, Elise, of Lowell, MA and David P. Martin and his wife, Melissa, of York, ME. He was also a very special and caring brother to the late James S. Martin and late Peter F. Martin. Rodger leaves behind two sisters-in-law, Jean O’Neil and her husband, James, of Chadds Ford, PA and Paula Bucchio of Lowell, MA; a brother-in-law, Peter Richards and his wife, Donna, of Lowell, MA; and many nieces and nephews who will always remember camping trips and Christmas shows.
Rodger attended St. Margaret Grammar School in Lowell and was a graduate of Lowell High School, Class of 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Plastic Engineering from Lowell Technological Institute and a Master of Management Science from the University of Lowell (now known as UMass Lowell). While attending high school, Rodger was active in track & field specializing in pole vaulting and was the school’s first athlete to actually pole vault 11 feet. He also played baseball in college. After college Rodger served in Malaysia for the Peace Corps. Rodger was employed for over 30 years as Vice President of Sales for North America with Branson Ultrasonics Corporation, Danbury. The entire Branson Family and especially his long-time associate, Kathy Martin, will miss his wonderful sense of humor and enthusiasm.
Rodger was an avid fan of the UConn Women’s Basketball team and enjoyed following the Red Sox, Patriots and Celtics. Passionate about golf, he was a member of the Heritage Village Country Club in Southbury, CT. He was also a founder of the Lowell Fish & Chip event along with Bob Boehm and Dave Burns.
Memorial gifts in Rodger’s name may be made to either Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or by emailing www.jimmyfund.org/gift. or to the Southbury Ambulance Association, 68 Georges Hill Road, Southbury, CT 06488 or by emailing www.southburyambulance.org/donations.htm.
Friends may call at the O'DONNELL FUNERAL HOME, 276 PAWTUCKET ST. in Lowell, MA from 4 to 8 P.M. Wednesday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Thursday morning at ST. MARGARET CHURCH in Lowell at 9:30 o'clock. Burial will follow at the Lowell Cemetery. His family will receive friends at their residence in Southbury on Friday from 4 to 8 P.M. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O'Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866).
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