Obituary of Gregory G. Martin

Bangor & Brewer - On December 12, 2021, Gregory Gerard Martin of Bangor, Maine, said goodbye to the many who love him here on Earth and hello to those who blissfully welcomed his arrival in Heaven.

Born August 29, 1956, the second of five sons raised in Bangor by their devoted parents, J. Normand of Madawaska and Ann Patricia (Morris) of Falmouth, Greg shared many wonderful celebrations of kinship with his grandparents and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Gregory delighted in his childhood, as the Martin home on Forest Avenue buzzed with activity among friends and family. He loved playing ball, driving the WWII replica miniature Jeep built by his father, building and riding the family’s saucer trail in the winter, swimming, fishing and hiking in the Maine wilderness, and vacationing among his family in Madawaska and Falmouth. He pursued his avid interest in a wide array of music, and college and professional sports throughout his life.

An engaged student, active athlete, and keen outdoorsman, he earned his way early by delivering newspapers, then stepped into the restaurant business that became the focus of his career. Greg graduated from Bangor High School in 1975, then set his sights upon achieving a degree from the University of Maine School of Business. The opportunities offered in the restaurant industry diverted his academic attention as he mastered every aspect of hospitality service and management. In 1981, he headed to the mountains, where he worked his trade in Boulder, Colorado while joyously skiing the steep slopes of the Rockies.

Returning home in 1983, he accepted a summer job in Bar Harbor, when tragedy struck. He experienced a fall and suffered a broken neck that resulted in quadriplegia. The next years of acute care and adjustment to his circumstances greatly challenged him, yet together with the complete support of his loving parents and brothers, and expert medical care, Greg overcame tremendous odds and began an independent life on Bangor’s West Side.

When he accepted his physical limits and recognized his potential to accomplish, Greg’s life flourished. Over the next decades, he would counsel newly injured spinal cord patients, help seniors effectively prepare their tax returns, and graduate in 2004 with honors from Husson College, achieving his sought-after business degree.

His urge to contribute never ceased. With his mentor and best friend Dennis Stubbs, he raised funds to operate an important disability support organization, Maine Action Coalition, that channeled thousands of dollars to local charities and maintained an accessible van to transport throughout his community those reliant upon wheelchairs. His persistent vision and engaging personality fostered many strong and lasting friendships.

On video conference calls throughout this past year, dozens of family members and friends shared their perspectives with Greg regarding his impact on them and their children. The words often expressed: “inspirational”, “courageous”, “tenacious”, “joyous”, and “loving”. His beautiful, generous spirit will be forever treasured.

Gregory and his family greatly appreciate the extraordinary compassion and care provided by the staff of Brewer Center for Health and Rehabilitation, Northern Light Healthcare, St. Joseph’s Healthcare and Hospice, and Bangor Housing.

Gregory is survived by his brother John D. Martin and wife Tracy M. Martin, sister-in-law Della L. Martin, niece Emily E. Jones and husband Eric C. Jones, and their children Keller H. Jones and Isla M. Jones, nephew John M. “Mac” Martin and wife Nancy K. L. Martin and their children Colin G. Martin and Clara F. Martin, and nephew Nathan J. Falgar; brother J. Normand Martin, Jr. and wife Karen L.  Martin; brother Konrad M. Martin and wife Jeanne M. Martin, nephew Adam G. Brown, niece Rebecca N. Schwier and her fiancé Curtis A. Brown, and nephew Frederick J. “Fritz” Rolle, IV; brother Kevin M. Martin and wife Jennifer A. Martin, nephew Patrick K. Martin and niece Anna R. Martin; Aunts Mary T. Honan and M. Theresa Morris, and Uncle John S. Marr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10 AM Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 768 Ohio Street, Bangor. The family invites all to attend his internment at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Ohio St., Bangor, and the following reception at Seasons Restaurant, Down Under Room, Main St., Bangor beginning at Noon. The funeral mass will also be livestreamed at the parish webiste HERE. Gregory requested that donations in his memory be dedicated to a program dear to his heart: Camp CaPella, P. O. Box 552, Holden, ME 04429. Website: Campcapella.org. Arrangements trusted to Kiley & Foley Funeral Service, Bangor and Brewer. Messages and memories of Greg may be shared with his family on the tribute wall of kileyandfoley.com.