Robert Martin

Robert F. Martin, 77, of 19 Ross St., died on Thursday, Dec. 6, in UMass Memorial Healthcare University Campus, after an illness.

Robert was born in Sterling, son of Harvey F. and Helen M. (Dempsey) Martin, and attended local schools. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force.

For 35 years before his retirement, Robert worked as a lineman for New England Telephone Co.

He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Church, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Knights of Columbus and the I.B.E.W. He enjoyed swimming and gardening.

His wife of 53 years, Elizabeth A. (Seymour) Martin, died on June 20, 2006. He leaves two sons, Harvey F. Martin of Clinton and Robert P. Martin of Westboro; four daughters, Catherine H. Gavin of South Grafton, Patricia A. Totaro of Worcester, Mary E. Martin-Somers of Clinton and Susan J. Lemay of Leominster; a brother, Thomas Martin of Fitchburg; 10 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, John Martin.

MARTIN -- Robert’s funeral will be held on Monday, Dec. 10, from the McNally & Watson Funeral Home, 304 Church St., with a Mass at 11 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church, 80 Union St. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery, Lancaster. Calling hours will be held on Sunday, Dec. 9, from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home. Flowers may be sent or donations made in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Association, Central Massachusetts Chapter, 128 Providence St., Worcester, MA 01604.