SOUTHWICK – Frederick “Rick” Holden Martin, Jr., 58, (1965–2024) passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 19th, 2024 at Baystate Medical Center. He was born on December 4th, 1965 in Springfield MA to his loving parents Frederick Sr. and Jeanette (Gelgut) Martin. He grew up in Westfield MA, graduating from Westfield High School. Rick worked as a farmhand at Gibb Arnold’s Tabacco Farm and as a Janitor at Sweet Life Foods. He loved bowling, playing in his little league baseball team and softball league. At 18, Rick survived a car accident that left him with complete quadriplegia. The doctors at the time gave him ten years to live, but they didn’t know Rick’s will and tenacity for life. With the help from his dad and the true loving care from his mother Jeanette, and many friends, Rick lived far beyond what the doctors had expected. He lived on his own for many years at General Shepherds and later Ahrend Community. He attended Holyoke Community College and Westfield State College and graduated with Honors with an associate degree in general studies. Anytime a Boston sports team was playing, whether it be the Patriots, the Boston Red Sox, the Boston Bruins, or the Celtics, you better believe Rick was watching from his TV, cheering them on and watching the statistics. He found great fun in watching the games with his family and friends. He loved music, and there isn’t a Journey song he didn’t enjoy. He loved his dogs and cats, and he would many times get them to come visit him when he was in the hospital.
He leaves his parents Fred and Jeannette of Southwick, his brother Paul Martin and his wife Sharon of Southwick, his sister Linda Matthews and her partner Mike Hague of Southwick, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins, an aunt, and extended family.
His family would like to thank his dear friends Peter and Kristen Polak, and the entire staff of Western Massachusetts Hospital for all of their care and compassion to Rick.
His care is entrusted to Southwick Forastiere Funeral & Cremation and his burial service will be on Friday, May 31st, 2024 at 12 p.m. at New Cemetery, Southwick, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104. To leave an online condolence visit www.forastiere.com.
