Robert A. Martel, Sr., 88, of Bristol, beloved husband of Claudette (Thibodeau) Martel, died on Tuesday, Dec. 12, at St. Vincent Hospital, Bridgeport. Bob was born on Jan. 22, 1935, in Bristol and was one of three children of the late Jules and Laura (Fradette) Martel.
A lifelong Bristol resident, he graduated from Bristol High School then enlisted to serve his country in the United States Navy serving aboard the USS Caloosahatchee (AO-98). It is in the Navy where he will say he received his greatest education.
He graduated from Porter School of Design and worked for Marlin Rockwell and General Time, then as a top sales representative for Producto Machine Co. until his retirement in 1997. He enjoyed visiting the machine shops, large and small, throughout New England; sometimes selling, but mostly to satisfy his curiosity in how things were made.
Bob’s interests included tinkering and working with his hands. He made many fine family heirlooms including furniture, hand carved boxes and clocks, leaded glass windows and so many cherished gifts. He never shied away from taking on a large project.
He was proud to have designed and built the family home on Vantana Drive at the age of 30. With his sons, he restored a 1959 MGA and a 1969 Camaro, both to meticulous perfection. Bob enjoyed travel with his wife and family throughout Europe and the Caribbean. Even touring the East Coast on his Gold Wing.
He was an amazing husband and father, and he often expressed his love and appreciation for his family. He especially loved and was proud of his grandchildren who mutually admired and respected him and all his talents. He was faithful and a longtime devoted parishioner of St. Gregory the Great Church, Bristol where he served as an usher.
In addition to his wife of 64 years, Bob is survived by three children: Robert “Skip” Martel, Jr. and his wife, Judy of Jupiter, Fla., Gregg Martel and his wife, Paula of Bristol, and Lorinda Proctor and her husband, Schuyler “Skip” of Bristol; five grandchildren: Alexander, Michael, and Reed Proctor, Jacob and Allison Martel; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings: Alice Massotti and her husband, Dominick, and Roland Martel and his wife, Mae.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Dec. 19, at 10 a.m. at St. Gregory the Great Church, 235 Maltby Street, Bristol. Entombment, with military honors, will follow in the Holy Family Mausoleum at St. Joseph Cemetery, Bristol.
Relatives and friends may call at Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave, Bristol on Monday between 4 and 7 p.m. Please visit Bob’s memorial website at www.FunkFuneralHome.com.
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