The community of Bristol and the Hope Diner crew lost a loyal friend on Friday, Jan. 25. Raymond Martin, Sr., age 77, of King Philip Avenue, Bristol, died at Rhode Island Hospital of complications from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). His loving wife of 54 years, Shirley V. (Conti) Martin and son Ray Martin Jr., along with other close family members, were there by his side.

Raymond was born in Bristol and was the son of the late Joseph and Antonia (Paiva) Martin. He raised his family in Barrington but always looked forward to returning to his hometown of Bristol to be with his family and childhood friends, which he did in 2001.  

Ray had a long and successful career in sales. He was a creative and intelligent problem solver who added immense value to every organization he was a part of. Ray always loved to cook and took a detour from the sales profession when he purchased and ran the State Street Diner from 1987 to 1990. He enjoyed being a member of the local business community and serving Thanksgiving meals to the community every year. 

Ray was a communicant of Holy Angels Church, Barrington and served in the R.I. Army National Guard for six years during peacetime. Ray was a lifelong athlete and had a passion for baseball in his youth. He was a very talented, well-known member of many baseball teams and participated in several championship games.

An avid golfer, he was a member of the Swansea Country Club and active in the golf leagues at Middlebrook Golf Course in Rehoboth. He had been working on forming a golf league for handicapped players like himself at the time of his passing. One of Ray’s greatest joys was helping others.

In addition to his wife, he leaves three children, Kimberly A. Guesman (Jason) of Los Altos, Calif., Lynne A. Young (Andrew) of Camarillo, Calif., and Raymond Martin, Jr. (Heather) of Norton, Mass.; seven grandchildren, Brad, Leah, Nico, Lex, Leo, Ray and Kayla; and a sister, Irene “Rene” Cardoza of Bristol. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Martin, Jr. and sisters, Evelyn Carlson and Dolores St. Ours.

Ray was happiest when he was surrounded by his family at home enjoying many hours of conversation and laughter at the dining room table. He loved to cook and enjoyed trying out Portuguese and Italian recipes from his family and friends. He leaves his children and grandchildren some amazing recipes that they will treasure for many years to come.

He was so very proud of his seven grandchildren and did everything he could to spend time with them and attend their many sporting events, dance recitals, and music performances. He also loved to travel. He lived well and loved well and will be greatly missed.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial, Thursday, Feb. 7, 2019, at 10:30 a.m. in Holy Angels Church, 341 Maple Ave., Barrington. Burial will follow in The Cremation Garden at North Burial Ground, Hope Street, Bristol.  Visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Alexander’s Church, 221 Main St., Warren, RI 02885.  For online condolences, shared memories, information and directions go to www.sansonefuneralhome.com