Robert W. Martel, 76, of Palm City, Florida, passed away on August 5, 2017 at the Treasure Coast Hospice, Hay-Madeira house, Stuart, Florida.

Robert W. Martel was born in West Warwick, Rhode Island. He obtained a BS degree in Chemistry from the University of Rhode Island in 1967. He joined the Geigy Chemical Corporation in Cranston, RI as a chemist. During his employment in Cranston he obtained an MBA from Bryant University in 1975. In Cranston, Bob eventually managed the largest chemical production building in Cranston which was also the largest Ciba-Geigy production building in the US. He was promoted to manage oil additives business for the Plastic & Additives Division in Ardsley, NY. Bob leadership and management skills led him to be President and CEO of Cerdec Corporation, a joint venture of Ciba-Geigy and DeGussa, in Washington, PA. Bob became the Vice President of Performance Materials for the Ferro Corporation upon its acquisition of Cerdec. Bob was recognized by all for his great business and management ability, exceptional leadership and tremendous people skills.
He and his wife Barbara were volunteer ushers as well as members of Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, Palm City.

Survivors include his wife Barbara Jean Martel; his children, Jennifer and her husband, Allen, Sarah and her husband, Jerry, Michelle, Julliette and Kristina; six grandchildren, Marissa, Robbie, J.J., Alex, Tyler and Mya; his sister Janet; his niece Tamay, nephew Rick and his daughter Shelby.

For those who wish, contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 39105, 800-822-6344 or on line at www.stjude.org or made to Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, PO Box 916, Palm City, FL 34991.

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