Russell Alvin Martin

FREEPORT – Russell Alvin Martin, born Dec. 6, 1950, passed away on June 5, 2025. at the age of 74, following a life filled with joy, treasured friendships, and beloved family. Russ was born in Burlington, Vt. and raised by his parents, Russell and Merlene, in the Littleton, NH house which his future sons later affectionately named, “Camp-Spoil-A-Kid.”

Russ was a man who valued the truly important things in life — music, food, nature, and his family. After attending Bucknell University as a committed Sigma Alpha Epsilon brother, he built a long career as a mechanical engineer — most recently running his own successful consulting business and proudly serving on the State of Maine building and energy codes board. While successful, he was never one to take things too seriously. Nearly 30 years into his career, he convinced his family he was going ‘back to school’ to finish a few remaining credits — only to later reveal that he had, in fact, enrolled in non-accredited and entirely non-related craft beer classes at a local brewpub instead. His successes also included his ordination in Dudeism by the church of the latter-day dude. His oldest son followed in his engineering footsteps, working alongside him for a time. Now, half the family finds themselves unexpectedly enthusiastic about commercial boiler rooms and exposed ductwork.

Russ had many passions, all rooted in joy and kindness. He was the cook of the family —known for meals that occasionally veered into dangerously spicy territory, as evidenced by the telltale sweat on his bald head. Russ believed deeply in equality, supporting causes on the right side of history and protesting loudly those in the wrong. He was regularly in nature, happiest when outdoors on a hike, a bike ride, or a ski trail. He found deep joy and purpose in tracing the branches of his family tree, honoring the past and preserving it for generations to come. A blues fan, he shared countless concerts side-by-side with his life-long partner, Sally. Just recently, many of us gathered to celebrate Sally and Russ’ 50th wedding anniversary, and we are all inspired by their devotion and genuine compassion.

Beneath the beard was a sharp wit— and even deeper, a genuinely sappy and warm human. As a father, husband, and grandfather, Russ was a constant and comforting presence — coaching, cheering, listening, and guiding. He was there on the sidelines, there with a bed of snow for freshly shucked oysters, there with a hand to hold, there with a joke, and there with a hug. He showed his love in the simplest, most profound way—by being there, and we are devastated that he no longer is.

Russ is survived by his childhood sweetheart and beloved wife of 52 years, Sally; his sons, Jacob (with his wife, Stephanie) and Nicholas (with his wife, Elizabeth); and his grandsons, Riley and Jackson. He also leaves behind his brothers, Stephen (with his wife, Suneela) and David (with his wife, Dianne); along with numerous nieces, nephews, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Merlene Martin; his nephew, Evan Martin; and his many beloved dogs, particularly Anna and Rhea. Memories of him will continue to make us laugh and cry in equal measure as he leaves a legacy of living fully, speaking kindly, and loving sincerely.

A celebration of life will be held by the family at Goodfire Brewing Company in Freeport, Maine on June 21, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made on Russ’ behalf to the Freeport Conservation Trust or the National Resources Council of Maine. Or better yet,

remember him by taking a walk outside, turning up a favorite song, or trying something just a little too spicy — just the way Russ would have wanted