Martin Foster Robbins

Martin Foster Robbins, 65, passed away suddenly on April 17, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born on April 5, 1960, in Carbondale, Illinois, Martin brought curiosity, creativity, and kindness to all who knew him.

As the son of an Air Force family, Martin lived in many places throughout his childhood, experiencing a wide range of cultures and communities before settling in Troy, Michigan, where he graduated from high school. He went on to attend the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 1982. Though science shaped his academic path, Martin’s lifelong passions were music, mathematics, and nature.

A brilliant mathematician, Martin had a rare gift for numbers, logic, and problem-solving. He shared that gift generously, tutoring high school students in math and science with patience, clarity, and encouragement. Many of his students credit him with not only helping them succeed academically, but also with instilling a deeper confidence in their own abilities. In addition to tutoring, Martin worked as a real estate broker, building connections through his genuine interest in people and his thoughtful approach to everything he did.

Martin was also an accomplished pianist, guitarist, and ukulele player. Over the decades, he performed in countless bands and orchestras, with a deep love for jazz, blues, and the expressive beauty of the piano. Whether on stage or in a quiet room, music was his joy, his outlet, and a lasting gift he shared with others.

Martin found peace and satisfaction in the quiet rhythms of the natural world. He loved gardening—particularly growing tomatoes, lettuce, cucumbers, cilantro, and rosemary—and took great pleasure in tending to his plants. His garden was a source of beauty, nourishment, and calm, reflecting his patient, nurturing spirit and his appreciation for life’s simple joys.

Martin's life was marked by compassion, creativity, and quiet brilliance. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former students, and fellow musicians.

He is survived by his loving mother, Marilyn Robbins of Charlotte, NC; his brother, Wesley Mitchell Robbins of Ponte Vedra, FL; and his sister, Amy Robbins of Charlotte, NC. He also leaves behind his beloved nieces, Aimee Piontek of Oklahoma City, OK, and Emma Cooley of Charlotte, NC; and his nephew, Ethan Cooley of Denver, CO. Martin was predeceased by his father, Gary W. Robbins. His family will remember him as warm, thoughtful, intellectually curious, and deeply devoted to those he loved.

A private memorial will be held by the family at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a local music education program or literacy organization in Martin’s honor.