Robert B. Martin

Robert “Bob” Martin, aged 86, formerly from Girard, PA, passed away at his residence on Thursday, December 26, 2024. He was born on July 27, 1938, to LeRoy “Chip” Martin and Kathryn “Kay” Leingang Martin.

Bob, also known as Whitey to his friends, or Uncle Bubbles to his family, was a 1956 graduate from Rice Ave Union High School in Girard. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, and graduated with a master’s degree in journalism from Ohio University in Athens, OH.

After college, Bob moved to Louisville, KY to be with his sister, Ginger, and his 1-year-old niece while Ginger’s husband was serving in Vietnam. In Louisville Bob worked for a local radio station as a broadcaster. When his brother-in-law, Tom, returned from Vietnam, Bob moved back to Erie and worked in advertising for Hammermill Paper Company for more than 30 years. After retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling to see his sister and her family as they moved all over the world with the military.

Bob was an avid history buff, specifically on his hometown of Girard. He enjoyed sharing that knowledge with anybody who would listen. He was a dedicated sports fan, in particular of the Cleveland Indians, his alma mater the Syracuse Orange, and also the Erie Seawolves. He was an amusement park enthusiast and took his niece and nephew to many, including Waldameer, Cedar Point, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Walt Disney World. Bob was also an excellent writer who had several articles published in local media. He was a member of St. John’s and Blessed Sacrament Catholic churches.

Bob is survived by his sister Ginger Martin Griffith and her husband, Tom, his niece, Tara Griffith Schiff, nephew, Tyler Martin Griffith, two great nephews, Noah Martin Schiff and Ben Schiff, a great niece, Hannah Schiff, and two cousins, Linda King and Kathy Lyons. He was preceded in death by his parents.

The “Uncle Bubbles” moniker truly took on a life of its own, through storytelling, notes on gifts, and quick-witted commentary that brought a huge amount of joy to our family. He will be greatly missed by all who loved him. Bob was one of a kind.

Friends may call at Burton Funeral Home, 525 Main Street East, Girard, on Monday January 6th from 11:00am until the time of service at 1:00pm. Burial will be in Girard Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 7032, Merrifield, VA 22116 in Memory of Robert Martin.

Send condolences at www.BurtonQuinnScott.com.