By Phil Foley
I just received word that a good friend of mine passed away on April 14 in Florida. Bobby Martin was a real trailblazer in community relations with the Yonkers Police Department while working at the Yonkers Police Athletic League along side of Chris Palandra and Bobby Blair.
I spent many Saturdays volunteering my time with the Youth basketball program at Yonkers HS with them. The positive effect of Police officers working with young disadvantaged kids was overwhelming!
Bobby Martin was born on March 23,1939 in Yonkers New York. He attended PS 14 and graduated from Commerce HS in 1957. Following graduation he joined the Navy and was honorably discharged in 1959.
After working for the New York Central Railroad Bobby was appointed to the Yonkers Police Force on March 25,1965. He was assigned to the 2nd Precinct..
In the 70’s Bob was active with the PBA basketball team a well as other sports. In 1971 Bob was appointed to the Community Relations unit and October 6,1972 Bob was appointed to the Yonkers PAL where he would serve 13 years until his retirement on June 28,1985.
Bob retired to Florida where he and his wife Mary enjoyed the Sunshine state and Bobby the Golf! Unfortunately Bob became ill a while back and lost his courageous battle and died at the age of 83 on April 14, 2022. He is survived by his wife Mary.
Rest in Peace Bobby there are a lot of young kids who have grown up now who remember all that you did for them by pointing the way to a happy successful life! And also that you,Chris and Bobby Blair were nice guys too!
A special thank you to George Rutledge (YPD Retired) who provided me the information for this article.
Editor’s Note: It is good to see the Yonkers PAL re-opened after a two year hiatus due to COVID.
