Martin Leonard Rich

Martin Leonard Rich, known affectionately as Marty, 97 passed away on June 12, 2026 following a brief illness.

Marty Rich was deeply committed to his family and community.   He lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a lasting legacy that bespoke honesty, loyalty, hard work, music, humor and love.  He was born in Dorchester, Massachusetts on April 22, 1929 and attended Boston English High School.  He was drafted into the U.S. Army in the early 1950’s and served honorably in Europe during the Korean War.

From an early age, he loved to sing, often teaming up with other talented Boston friends, including future TV and film star Leonard Nimoy.  While serving in the army he entertained his fellow soldiers and upon returning stateside acted in several local community theatre productions.

Marty attended Bentley College and received his degree in business which led to a career as an accountant, ultimately serving as chief accountant for the Sonesta Hotel Corporation until his retirement at age 62.

He married the late Bernice Halpern in 1957 and a year later she gave birth to a son, Jordan.  Daughter Darlene was born in 1961 and Marty and Bernice raised their family in the town of Randolph, just south of Boston.

He was often recognized for his skills as an accountant and following his “official retirement,” Marty kept quite busy, taking on a number of projects.  He was a driver, delivering high end luxury cars to and from local dealerships.  He studied and was a regular reader of  the Torah during services at his synagogue, Temple Beth Am in Randolph.

He researched, wrote and self-published a book explaining the intricacies of the Jewish calendar, recorded several CD’s singing his favorite songs and appeared several times as a guest on his son Jordan’s WBZ radio show as an esteemed panel member of “The Baseball Show.”

He was a rabid Red Sox fan who followed the team closely and was one of many from his generation who shed a few happy tears when the Sox broke “the curse” in 2004.  He was an inherently curious man, a voracious reader, a lover of movies, and one who never failed to fill in every square in a crossword puzzle.

Marty taught himself to play guitar and loved the piano, playing for friends and fellow residents at Sunrise Assisted Living where he spent his final few years.

He contributed to many charities and was always one of the first to volunteer to help a cause.

Most of all, Marty will be remembered by those knew him best, for his kindness, strength of character and sense of humor.  He was a proud husband, father, father-in-law, uncle, grandfather and great grandfather.    He is survived by his children Darlene and Jordan, Jordan’s wife Roberta, grandchildren Andrew and Lindsay and her husband David and great granddaughters Elle and Carter along with nephews Cliff, Leon, Ralph and Jerry.  He was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Wendy and his sister Irene.

A graveside service will be held graveside at Sharon Memorial Park, 120 Canton Street. 9:45 AM on Sunday June 14, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, please consider giving to Boston Children’s Hospital, in memory of (honoree’s name). Contributions can be made at bostonchildrens.org/giveinmemory. Or mail checks, payable to: Boston Children’s Hospital Trust, 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215-5301. Please include the honoree’s name in the memo line.