Keith Raymond Martel passed away on July 30, 2024 at age 65 after a courageous battle with cancer.
He is survived by his mother Ruth Colman and preceded in death by his father Raymond Martel and stepfather Edward Colman.
He is survived by his daughters Michele (Alex McKendall) and Alison Martel, grandsons Harrison Frank and Theodore Keith McKendall; brother Dennis Martel (Tracy), sister Kathryn Martel Hayman (Tim); and the mother of his children Janet Martel. He is also survived by his beloved nephews and nieces: Ryan Martel (Kacie), Fin Martel, Aaron Martel (Melanie), Diana Murphy (Kyle), and Kelsey Morey (Tim); as well as several great nieces and nephews who he deemed himself as ‘Grunk’ to (Great Uncle Keith).
Keith was born in Saugus, MA, growing up around Massachusetts in Melrose and Swansea and graduating from Case High School. Keith went on to graduate from Providence College and remained a Friars fan for life.
He spent decades building a career in the retail industry - most notably his tenure with Toys ‘R Us, a job that his friends and family always loved to inquire about and one that Keith took pride in building a life for his family out of.
Keith was an avid golfer, lifelong hockey fanatic, and lover of all Boston sports. He tried to spend as many days on the golf course as he did watching the pros play on TV.
Keith loved bragging about the decades of championships he was able to experience with his beloved Bruins, Patriots, Red Sox, and Celtics. He was always reminding his daughters how spoiled they were to see this in their lifetime, but it was the pure joy these teams brought Keith that ultimately convinced them to join him in his fandom.
More than anything, his biggest pride and joy was his family. He never missed a chance to tell his daughters how much he loved them and how proud he was of every single thing they did - no matter how big or small.
Keith was famous for going above and beyond for friends and family, making the most ‘extra’ gestures like sending quarterly care packages to Alison, stocking the car with favorite snacks and drinks for rides to the airport or Sox games, and even showing up to meet his first grandson in the very scrubs he wore when Michele was born (35 years earlier)… just to name a few! Nothing in this world made him beam with more happiness and love than his grandsons did. He made every effort to not miss a single moment with them and make memories that will definitely last a lifetime for Harrison and Teddy.
Keith was a loving Pépère, father, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend who was loved deeply and will be missed by many.
Family and friends are invited to remember and celebrate Keith’s life on August 14, 2024 between 2:00-5:00 p.m. at Harbor Lights in Warwick, RI overlooking the golf course.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Keith’s honor to the KCNT1 Foundation - a non-profit dedicated to research and support for his grandson Teddy.
Please leave a condolence message or your favorite memory of Keith "Celebrating a Life Well Lived" on the Southcoast & Boyko Funeral Home Website
Services are humbly entrusted into the care of Southcoast & Boyko Funeral Homes