Christopher John Martin

Christopher John Martin, 82, of Cary, NC, passed away on June 5, 2025. He was born in Cambridge, England, on June 18, 1942, to Joan P. Martin and Victor Martin. He was married to Carol J. Martin.

Christopher graduated from Bottisham Village College, where he earned a degree in Metallurgy.

He arrived in America the same year as the Beatles (1965) and started a lifelong career at Battelle Memorial Institute.

His love of music inspired him to become one of the very first Lifetime Members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Many would describe Christopher as Beloved, Strong-willed, and Mischievous. He loved good beer, good bands, and good friends. He collected unique things and even more unique people. He was known to take a dare and push the limits. He loved road trips, journeying from Columbus to Florida to see the first Apollo moonshot mission and, years later, driving 24 hours round trip from Columbus to Houston and back to have a beer with a graduating friend. He constantly sought out the next adventure.

He will most likely be remembered by his willingness to always help a friend and his joy for life.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joan P. Martin and Victor Martin, and a beloved son, Craig J. Martin.

He is survived by his wife, Carol J. Martin; his daughter, Cheryl J. Martin-Blackwelder (Shawn Blackwelder); a cherished grandchild, Elena Blackwelder (partner-Jacob Harter); and his brother, Paul Martin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the SPCA of Wake County or to the Senior Ride Program of GoCary Door-to-Door, 1107 Trinity Rd. Raleigh, NC 27607. Care of MV Transportation, Marvin Greene.