Martin W. Dustin

North Providence - Martin Wendell Dustin, 84, of Nipmuc Trail, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, October 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Diane E. (North) Dustin, with whom he enjoyed 43 wonderful years of marriage.

Born in Franklin, New Hampshire, he was the son of the late Geraldine (Hutchinson) Dustin. Marty lived in New Hampshire and Arizona before settling in Rhode Island.

He worked for many years as a lineman for New England Telephone and later for Verizon in New Hampshire before retiring. A dedicated public servant, Marty served as a volunteer firefighter for 20 years with the Franklin Fire Department, retiring at the rank of captain of Engine 1. He also served on the Andover School Board in New Hampshire.

A gifted athlete and passionate coach, Marty's love of sports shaped much of his life. At 19, he had a catcher tryout with the Boston Red Sox - a moment that marked the beginning of more than 50 years spent mentoring and coaching others. He was a loyal, diehard Red Sox fan and an avid New England Patriots fan, and never missed a chance to share that enthusiasm with those around him. It was extremely rare for Marty to miss a single game.

Marty was larger than life - bold, warm, and endlessly generous. He had a big personality and an even bigger heart. He'd do anything for anyone, always ready with a helping hand, a joke, or a story. Whether on the field, at the firehouse, or around the dinner table, Marty made everyone feel like family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three daughters, Lori Dustin (Scott Trachy), Karen Kennedy, and Erin Dustin; his son, Ryan Dustin; his sister, Barbara Arnold; his brother, John Dustin; and many extended family members and dear friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Richard Dustin, Stanley Dustin, Glen Dustin, Dale Dustin, Norman Dustin, and sister Shayne Collins.

His funeral and burial will be private, and visiting hours are respectfully omitted.

To leave a message of condolence, please visit www.bellowsfuneralchapel.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Bellows Funerals & Crema1ons, 160 River Road, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Marty's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), the ASPCA (www.aspca.org), or VNA of Care New England Hospice (www.vnacarenewengland.org), in gra1tude for their care and compassion.

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