Robert Cahill Martin

Robert Cahill Martin of Tiverton, Rhode Island passed away on July 2, 2026. He was 83.

    Bob grew up in Bristol, Rhode Island and spent happy summers in Shelter Harbor, Rhode Island making fresh peach ice cream with his mom, boating on Quonochontaug Pond, quahogging and snorkeling.

    After graduating from Wentworth Institute in 1963, with a degree in aircraft maintenance engineering, Bob enlisted in the US Navy. He served for four years as an aircraft mechanic with an aerial photographic unit during the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he attended Roger Williams College and then joined the 102nd Fighter Interceptor Wing at Otis Air National Guard Base in Bourne, Massachusetts. He achieved the rank of senior master sergeant and served as an aircraft maintenance inspection supervisor earning the respect of colleagues for his knowledge, integrity, and commitment to excellence.

    In 1969 Bob married Barbara Barlow, his Bristol childhood sweetheart. They moved to Taunton, Massachusetts where they raised their two sons, Daniel and Nicholas. On Sundays, Bob would take his young family for long drives that would end at Gray’s for ice cream cones. Those many trips along the beautiful back roads of Tiverton enticed Bob and Barbara to move back to Rhode Island, in 1992, and settle in Tiverton.

    Retirement gave Bob the opportunity to devote himself to the community he loved. He became actively involved with Placing Paws, the Tiverton Historical Cemeteries Commission and the Hillside Cemetery Association.

    He served as secretary of the Hillside Cemetery Association for nine years and dedicated countless hours to the many duties that job entailed. His devotion was such that Barbara affectionately gave him the nickname, “the Mayor of Hillside”—a title that perfectly captured his commitment.

    Above all, Bob treasured his family. He is survived by Barbara Martin, his beloved wife and best friend since childhood and by his loving sons, Daniel Martin and his wife Tivapat Martin and Nicholas Martin. His family, friends, and all who knew him will remember his kindness, quiet strength and generous spirit.

    He was the son of the late Judge Frank L and Eleanor (Cahill) Martin and the brother of the late Raymond F Martin

    Bob will be buried at Hillside Cemetery overlooking the Sakonnet Marsh.

    In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Fall River Museum of Contemporary Art via the link below:

    www.frmoca.org/donate