David Martin

David Martin, 86, a longtime resident of Westford, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Emerson Hospital in Concord following a brief illness. He was the beloved husband of 62 years to Barbara (Granger Hale) Martin.

David was born on October 25, 1939, in Littleton, New Hampshire, and was raised and educated in Walpole, New Hampshire. He graduated from The Mount Hermon School in 1958, earned his bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University in 1962, and later received his MBA from Loyola University Chicago in 1972. It was at Syracuse University that David met Barbara, beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades. He was a proud member of the Zeta Psi fraternity during his years at Syracuse.

In 1962, David received a commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force and went on to a long and distinguished 22-year career as an Air Force officer, retiring in 1984 as a Lieutenant Colonel. He served his country with pride around the world, including an assignment in Tehran, Iran, and at six Air Force bases across the United States. His final duty station was Hanscom Air Force Base in Bedford, MA. After he retired from the military, David continued his career for 20 years by working for various defense contractors, including, most notably, NATO in Brussels, Belgium.

On July 20, 1963, David married Barbara, and together they built a loving home and raised four children. He cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He could often be found on his John Deere tractor tending his property, and he delighted in travel, having visited all fifty United States and six of the seven continents. Summers at Skaneateles Lake were a treasured tradition, and David was particularly fond of lakeside evening campfires. David was an avid reader, an expert jigsaw puzzler, a dedicated stamp collector, and a faithful fan of Boston sports teams.

In addition to his wife, Barbara, David is survived by his children: Ross Martin and his partner Deborah Blazey-Martin of Waban, MA; Kristina Martin of Boston, MA; Kimberly Keiper and her husband Eric Keiper of Washington, MA; and Karen Brightwell and her husband John Brightwell of Wellington, New Zealand. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Alexis, Jackson, and Aurora Martin; Katherine Martin; Juliane and Emily Keiper; and Helen and Samantha Brightwell, as well as many loving nieces and nephews. David was predeceased by his brother, Bruce Martin, and is survived by his brother, Alan Martin.

Services were private.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David’s memory may be made to:
Westford Fire Department & Ambulance Service
65 Boston Road
Westford, MA 01886
978-692-5542
www.westfordfirefighters.com

Arrangements are under the care of Badger Funeral Home, A Life Celebration Home, 347 King St., Littleton, MA, 01460. 978-486-3709