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Gordon Martin Obituary
Gordon A. Jr. On Nov. 1, Gordon A. Martin, Jr., of Jamaica Plain, formerly of Newton, where he was an active parishioner at Sacred Heart Church, at age 82. Son of Gordon A. Martin and Marion Hennessy Martin, brought up in West Roxbury by his aunt, M. Lillian Hennessy, after the early death of his mother. Husband of Stephanie (Lang) Martin. Father of Constance Martin of Roslindale, Clare Martin and her husband Terrence Lyons of Newton, Peter Martin and his wife Samantha of Rome, Italy, and Andrea Martin and her husband Buddy Gumina of New York, NY; also survived by eight grandchildren. Graduate of The Roxbury Latin School, Harvard College, and New York University School of Law, where he was a Root-Tilden Scholar.
In the 1960s he was a trial lawyer for the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice, working primarily in Mississippi. Returning to Boston, he was an Assistant U.S. Attorney, a commissioner of the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination, founding partner of the law firm Martin, Morse, Wylie and Kaplan, and a dedicated participant in Democratic politics. From 1983 to 2004 he served as an associate justice of the Massachusetts Trial Court. He was a visiting professor at several law schools and longtime adjunct professor at New England Law Boston. Active in national juvenile justice groups and in Democratic politics, he was the author of legal articles and a book, "Count Them One by One: Black Mississippians Fighting for the Right to Vote".
Visiting hours Friday, Nov. 4, 2016, at the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre Street, WEST ROXBURY, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on November 5 at 10 a.m. at St. Lawrence Church, Chestnut Hill. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Casa Myrna Vasquez, P.O. Box 180019, Dorchester, MA 02118 or Mississippi Center for Justice, P.O. Box 1023, Jackson, MS 39215.
www.lawlerfuneralhome.com
Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home
617-323-5600
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Memories and Condolences
for Gordon Martin
Therese C Martin
November 1, 2022
In loving memory of a wonderful grandfather. We will love you and miss you always.
Love, your granddaughter, Tess
Richard Morris
February 16, 2017
It was an honor and my pleasure to serve since 1999 with Judge Martin on the Coordinating Council for the Department of Justice's Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention. His observations, comments and personal communications always left me feeling gifted to have been in his presence. His commitment to justice and fairness for both young and old was clearly unwavering and undoubtedly withstood the test of time.
He is an individual not soon to be forget. I remain thankful that our paths crossed. Surely there will be peace in the memories we all have.
David Wylie
November 22, 2016
I was lucky enough to be Gordon's law partner for ten years. Our firm was Martin, Morse and Wylie, adding Bernie Kaplan's name when he joined us. I got to know Gordon when we both were supporters of Edward F. McLaughlin during his campaign for Lieutenant Governor. Gordon took the initiative, as he usually did, in getting us into the habit of having lunch together from time to time. After I went into Cambridge politics and had to give up my job as General Counsel at MHFA, Gordon suggested that with his friend Steve Morse, we start a law practice. Gordon and I had no clients and we lived off of Steve's until we could get up some steam. Gordon always hoped to be a judge, and achieved that aim with the help of Governor Mike Dukakis. To know Gordon and his wonderful family over so many years was a privilege and added immeasurably to the fulfillment of my life.
Margery Leith Allen
November 11, 2016
For Mrs. Martin, Constance, Clare, Peter and Andrea - my thoughts are with you now, as they have always been throughout the years. Though much time has passed, I recall Judge Gordon well from when I met him in the 70s - vital, strong and full of energy and great thoughtfulness. My wishes for you all to find peace and comfort in the memories you have.
Alexander Jordan
November 7, 2016
I met Gordon when we were young lawyers with Gaston Snow Motley & Holt, then a well known Boston law firm. I viewed him as a special person with a zest for life and a desire to make the world a better place. He didn't stay long at the firm and went on to have a brilliant legal career with public service as its constant theme. I would see him from time to time, at ball games, the Harvard Club or some lawyers' gathering and it was always a pleasure for me to catch up with him. He never seemed to change and he always was doing his utmost to make this community and the world a better place. His kind do not come along all that often and he will be missed.
Alexander Jordan, Hingham
Andy Dempsey
November 7, 2016
Stephanie and Constance,
We will miss seeing Gordon at Harvard basketball and hockey games. We consider ourselves fortunate to have met him; we was always friendly and warm. His book, Count Them One By One, was a unique account of a chapter in Civil Rights history. In talking with him about the book, about his own part in helping to enforce voter rights, he put the focus on the voters and deflected attention from his part, saying, "It is their story, not mine." He was a good and humble man; our condolences to you on his loss.
Andy Dempsey and Jane Hill
November 7, 2016
Gordon was one of the most wonderful! He was my mentor at Roxbury Latin. All my blessings to his family.
Warm regards,
Robert P. Smith
Baruch Schmidt
November 5, 2016
I recall him as a classmate at Harvard College--in addition to never-failing warmth and good will--he had an unusual quality: he radiated a moral uprightness whose beauty remains in my memory to this day.
Baruch Schmidt, Class of 1957
charles peirce
November 5, 2016
As classmates of Gordon and Stephanie, Rosalie and I send our heartfelt condolences on this sad occasion. Our paths crossed briefly in school and not often enough afterwards. Gordon was a pioneer and will be missed by many.
Rosalie and Charlie Peirce
Peter Marzo
November 5, 2016
It is with great sadness that I write my condolences to the Martin Family. My memories are of a man that had great compassion for the world and people that surrounded him. As a lawyer and a Harvard Alumni, Judge Martin took on my case which allowed me to keep my student/athlete eligibility at Boston University. During this time Gordon guided me through some very tumultuous times. For this I am forever in his debt. Though our paths have not crossed for many years, few days go by that I don't fondly remember this man who so profoundly affected my life.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Andrea Dow Keough
November 5, 2016
Gordon had amazing spirit and tenacity. I played tennis with him two years ago. He would not give up his passion for the game. I have very fond memories of Gordon at Longwood. My deepest condolences to his family.
David & Ann Rose
November 4, 2016
What sad news! Deepest condolences to Stephanie and the family.
mary jane rupert
November 4, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Stephanie, Constance and all of the family. I am very sad to learn of Gordon's death. He was truly a great and good man and such a supportive friend to Mo and me.
I am out of town on a concert tour until Nov. 13th and thus regret that I am unable to attend the funeral tomorrow. I will be there in spirit and be in touch when I arrive back.
Mary Jane Rupert
philip contant
November 4, 2016
Gordon was always an inspiration to me from my earliest years on the District Court bench---we shared a passion for doing the important work in cases involving children,and spoke about it everytime we encountered each other. He was a tremendously talented judge,and an incredible human being. God bless. Phil Contant, Westfield District Court
Doreen Reis
November 4, 2016
Very saddened to hear of Judge Martin's death.
He was one of the kindest and most compassionate people I have ever known, who would always lend me an empathetic ear and offer sound advice.
I will miss speaking with him at Longwood and seeing him at Symphony Hall.
My deepest condolences to the family and regrets that I am unable to attend the service this evening.
The world truly needs more men like him.
Sincerely,
Doreen Reis
Reilly Morse
November 4, 2016
Saddened to learn of Judge Martin's death. Many gathered recently to hear him speak in Mississippi about efforts to secure voting rights for all. Our sympathies to his family and friends. Reilly Morse, Mississippi Center for Justice
Joel Rosenbloom
November 4, 2016
I was very sorry to hear of the death of George Martin. He was a wonderful individual and a dear classmate. I remember him fondly from our days at Harvard.
Joel Rosenbloom
Bob Gulick
November 4, 2016
Sara and I send our condolences to Stephanie and the family. It was a privilege to know him and a delight to see both of them at Harvard hockey events Please know that we are thinnking of all of you.
Bob and Sara
Morris Goldings
November 4, 2016
Gordon was a great friend, a truly committed citizen and public servant, and a delight to spend time with. My condolences to Stephanie and the family with the knowledge that they will take comfort from the years he was with us all. Morris Goldings
Carl King
November 4, 2016
I crossed paths with Judge Martin several times over the years, at the commission, in the court room and at a bench and bar discussion of his book. As others have posted, he was a gentleman and I consider myself blessed to have known him.
November 4, 2016
We have lost our brightest, nicest, kindest neighbor at Cabot. We will miss his always optimistic outlook on politics and life. The Rasky family sends their deepest condolences to Stephanie and all the children for their loss.
Martin Gordon
November 3, 2016
How sad I am to lose my friend and "mirror image" of 64 years. It was a privilege to know Gordon. His wise counsel helped us through some tough times in business. Alice and I were happy to share in his enthusiasm for sports and all things Harvard and we were incredibly proud to have his autograph on his important book "Count 'Em, One by One". Best of all were the times we could spend with Gordon and Stephanie and their wonderful children. Our sincere condolences to Stephanie and to Constance, Claire, Peter, Andrea and their families.
Keith Motley
November 3, 2016
What an incredible human being I am honored to have had the Judge in my life Much love and lots of prayers to the familyDr J Keith Motley and Family
Paul Stewart
November 3, 2016
On behalf of all of the ECAC Hockey family and especially from The Stewart family, we extend our prayers and condolences to The Martin Family on the recent passing of The Judge.
It will be a hard task to attend a Hockey game without Judge Martin present although we know that as long as the game is played, he will always be present in spirit.
Paul Stewart
ECAC Hockey
Peter Nemeth
November 3, 2016
From South Bend, Indiana, Carol and I extend our condolences to Stephanie and the entire family. Gordon and all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed very much getting together with them at the annual meetings of the NCJFCJ where we learned a lot about Peter and also enjoyed hosting Constance at our home for a Notre Dame game.
Pete Nemeth
kevin curry
November 3, 2016
Gordon was a gentleman and a great judge
John Bradley
November 3, 2016
From the time he joined our Univ. of Mississippi law faculty, I knew he was one of the best in all respects, especially as a role model to many for his passion and diligence in pursuing and teaching about human dignity. A blessing to have known him; sadness at his death.
November 3, 2016
To the Martin Family,
Charlie and Anna Tretter would like to extend their deepest sympathy. Judge Martin was a wonderful person. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.
Michael Hoffheimer
November 3, 2016
We in Mississippi mourn the passing of this great mind and good man from history into eternity. His courage and devotion to voting rights made a difference at a time that mattered. And with his wife, he returned repeatedly to the state to help educate us and to keep us from forgetting.
Our hearts go out to Stephanie and his family at this sad time. You are in our prayers and thanksgivings.
Brianne Fitzgerald
November 3, 2016
Judge Martin was a risk taker, he opened his court room to those of us who were doing HIV/AIDS education to persons at risk. He sent women and men to our site at Project TRUST to learn about the illness and be treated to a fighting chance at recovery. Rest in peace,
Terry Segal
November 3, 2016
Gordon was a gentleman and a scholar. He was a great humanitarian and judge. My sincere condolences to Stephanie and his wonderful family. Terry Segal
Gary Fay
November 3, 2016
To the Martin Family, I echo Terry Meagher's words. My Family and I have kwon Judge Martin since 1973 while playing hockey at BU. He was a man of integrity and honor. I remember when I was thinking about a career in the Probation Department, he invited me into his Court proceedings as a guest. His compassion was wonderful, giving people second chances in life. May your legacy live on Judge. You will be sorely missed in the Legal and Hockey communities.
Bob Scalise
November 3, 2016
I am deeply saddened to learn of Judge Martin's passing. He was a wonderful supporter of all of our Harvard teams. We will certainly miss him, but he will always be with us in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Stephanie, Constance and the Martin family.
Suzanne Naudin
November 3, 2016
Gordon was one of the most brilliant and nicest people I've ever met. He was kind, patient and a great communicator who really cared about doing the right thing. I truly enjoyed working with him on the "135 Years of Longwood" view book where I was the graphic designer along with John Gallagher, Paul Hennessy, Bucks Moolman and other wonderful Longwood Cricket Club members all volunteering tireless hours to help preserve and highlight the club's history. I wish warm condolences to Gordon's family and friends during this difficult time losing such wonderful humanitarian, tennis player and loving man will be truly missed.
Terry Meagher
November 3, 2016
To the Gordon Martin Family,
Please accept on behalf of my family the deepest of sympathies. I am so very sorry to hear of Judge Martin's passing.
The Martin family are special friends to so many people especially those connected to the College Hockey world. Judge Martin's compassion,vision, empathy,kindness and mentoring will forever remain with so many.
It is my hope you find comfortknowing how much he was loved by all those he touched.
His intellect and the application of such a gift so served the "Common Good"
It was always a great day when you were in his presence.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours in these most difficult of times.
I am so very sorry.
Terry
Tommy Amaker
November 3, 2016
So sorry to learn of the passing of Judge Martin. He was a pioneer and an inspiration to many. It has been an honor to know him and learn of his journey and his work. I will miss him at our Harvard basketball games and at the Harvard Club of Boston---he was one of our biggest supporters and fans!
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. Stephanie, Constance and the Martin family.
Tommy Amaker
Sara Crafts
November 3, 2016
My condolences to Gordon Martin's family. He was a warm, caring, interesting man. Though I am sad to know of his passing, I am glad to have had the honor of knowing him and working with him.
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Memorial Events
for Gordon Martin
Nov
4
Visitation
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home1803 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
Nov
5
Mass of Christian Burial
10:00 a.m.
St. Lawrence Church
Chestnut Hill, MA
Funeral services provided by:
Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home1803 Centre Street, West Roxbury, MA 02132
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