Lawrence R. “Larry” Martin
Former Dean of Admissions U/Mass Lowell; well known area golfer;
Lawrence R. “Larry” Martin, 81, of Lowell, died Sunday, April 5th at his home. He was the husband for 48 years of Margaret L. “Maggie” (Brennan) Martin who survives him.
Born in Lowell, Massachusetts, April 3, 1934, he was the son of the late Lawrence S. and the late Helen (Bagley) Martin. He was the sixth of seven children and as he liked to point out, the only red head.
Larry served as an altar boy at the Immaculate Conception Church and later attended Keith Academy where he was an unlikely basketball star and an “end-man” in their famous minstrel shows. After serving in the Marines during the Korean War, he used the GI bill to complete his BS from Boston College (59’) and later his Masters in education administration from Salem State College.
After a short stint as a golf pro, Larry joined Lowell Technological Institute as an Admissions Officer. Thirty years later he retired as the Dean of Admissions from UMASS Lowell. During those years he guided many students toward their graduation and successful careers.
Throughout his life, Larry was involved in public service including serving as a Lowell City Councilor, Chairman of the Lowell Historic Preservation Commission, and a board member of the Lowell City Tournament Committee and The Owl Diner Charities. In election years he could be seen at the Reilly School holding campaign signs to support his daughter Connie’s School Committee bid.
Known as “Red” on the golf course, his achievements include seven Lowell City Tournament Championships and 14 Vesper Club Championships. His many wins in the Vesper Father/Daughter tournaments are less known but were equally highly prized.
After his retirement, Larry spent most mornings sitting at his regular table at the Owl Diner arguing about local politics, solving the world’s problems with his large circle of friends, many of whom he’d known since grade school. During his final days Larry enjoyed visits from his family and many good friends.
In addition to his wife Maggie, Larry is survived by two daughters Connie A. Martin and Leslie A. Martin and her husband Matthew Fleming all of Lowell; a sister Mary M. Sayer of Lowell; and a sister-in-law Ruth Martin of Hudson, NH. He was also a favorite uncle to his many nieces and nephews.
He was also brother of the late Ellen L. Martin, the late Ann Keller, the late Alice Bishop, the late John B. Martin and the late Robert Martin.
Friends may call at the O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME 276 PAWTUCKET ST. from 4 to 8 P.M. Thursday. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated Friday morning at the IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH (Lower Church) in Lowell at 11 o’clock. Burial in St. Mary Cemetery in Tewksbury. E-condolences/directions at www.odonnellfuneralhome.com. For anyone wishing to make a donation in Larry's memory , a contribution to his favorite charity would be appreciated. The Owl Diner Charities, c/o To Shanahan, 244 Appleton St, Lowell, MA 01852. Arrangements by Funeral Directors James F. O’Donnell, Jr. and John W. Crane (978 or 866) 458-8768.
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