Obituary: Robert E. Martell
Robert Eugene Martell lived a life of selfless love & kindness, intellectual curiosity and a deep commitment to making a difference by helping others. He passed away at home in Hinesburg, Vermont on Sunday May 10, 2026, with his wife Carol at his side. Raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan by Charles and Nancy Martell, Bob brought courage and devotion to all he did, and he transformed countless lives in his 63 short but full years.
Bob’s life was a living testament to his passion for honoring the beautiful world in which we all live, and caring, through his every action, for each person who came into his circle. He had a core life purpose, which he was very clear about, and that was to make a difference by caring for others. This he did in countless ways, every single day.
Curious and exploratory, Bob was most at home in the outdoors and thrived on new experiences and adventures. He hiked, ran, backpacked, canoed, rowed, swam, skied and more. He loved to invite others into his adventures, coordinating fun excursions and activities. Even more than his athletic feats—which include multiple marathons, a half Ironman, hikes in the back country, and canoe camping wherever he could find nice big lakes—Bob enjoyed quiet moments in nature as well. He was profoundly contemplative and grateful for every beautiful moment. He and Carol built a home that celebrates the beauty of Vermont—their chosen base camp for the next chapter of their lives that they planned to experience deeply bonded to each other. His three kids, Abby, Natalie, and Ben, and many whose lives Bob touched, will carry forward his connection to nature.
Bob was always hardworking, productive and creative; he painted the landscapes he loved, played acoustic guitar, built hiking trails, kept bees, and constructed a log cabin.
A deep thinker, Bob loved probing ideas, in-depth discussions and debates, and sharing knowledge with friends and colleagues. He was inquisitive and liked to examine topics from multiple angles. His desire to understand how things worked drove both his personal love of learning and his scientific research.
As an oncologist, Bob used his vast experience to make a positive impact on thousands of cancer patients for over three decades. He completed Medical School at Wayne State University in MI, a PhD in pharmacology at the University of Michigan, and a fellowship at Duke University Medical Center. Pursuing both clinical work and pharmaceutical research, he was equally dedicated to both individual patient care and to discovering new treatments that could help thousands of people facing cancer. He helped develop oncology therapeutics at Curis, Methyl-Gene and Bristol Myers Squibb, among other companies, and founded EpiCure, which was dedicated to cancer research. Bob was an attending oncologist at Tufts Medical Center in Boston, and most recently, the University of Vermont Cancer Center. Beloved by those he worked alongside, he was devoted to his patients and brought comfort to many. He was a passionate physician who took the time to know his patients and understand their stories.
Bob strove for excellence while remaining unfailingly humble. He steadfastly supported those he loved; always wanting to help, he was consistently patient, calm, and respectful. As a dear friend shared, “He always had kind eyes, and sweet words for me. The world is a far shabbier place without him.”
Bob’s family, friends and colleagues adore him. His boundless love and open spirit will remain in their hearts always.
Bob is survived by his wife, Carol Austin of Hinesburg, VT; his kids, Abby Martell of Asheville, NC, Natalie Martell of Minneapolis, MN, and Ben Martell of Port Isabel, TX, and their mother Lori; his stepson, Julian Austin; his father, Charles Martell; his siblings, Carolyn Boczanowski and Steve Martell; and many other family members. We will be gathering for a celebration of Bob’s beautiful life on Saturday, July 25, 2026 at Meach Cove Farms Gathering Space in Shelburne Vermont, at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in his name to the University of Vermont Cancer Center.