Martin D. Andersen

Martin Donald Andersen passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, after bravely battling dementia. A resident of Cambridge, Massachusetts, in the final years of his life, he passed away at Royal Meadowview Nursing Home in North Reading.

Known to many as "Butch," Martin was born on April 24, 1944, to Martin Sorvik and Agnes Nellie (née Hansen) Andersen, and was raised in Fairhaven, Massachusetts. After graduating from Fairhaven High School in 1962, he enrolled at Southeastern Massachusetts University, now University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth.

In 1968, Martin answered the call to serve and joined the United States Army. He served honorably in Vietnam as a Sergeant, earning the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. His tour was grueling, and he longed for home. In a letter dated December 9, 1969, he wrote, "Tell my nieces that their skinny uncle is coming home for Christmas this year." Later, he reflected, "Doesn't seem like only a year, when you count every day," he said.

After returning home, Martin began a career in the Boston area as a copywriter and advertising executive. He was married in 1972 and began his family. Eric Riley was born on September 1, 1973, in Stoneham, MA. Soon after, he and his young family moved to Sandwich, MA. Michael David was born in Hyannis, MA, on November 15, 1975.

Martin enjoyed a successful career in advertising, working for Arnold & Co., Stride Rite Shoes, and other boutique firms, including his own business in Hyannis. In the late 1990s, Martin remarried and moved from Boston to Jaffrey, NH. Inspired by new directions and opportunities, he earned a master's degree in special education from Keene State College and spent several years teaching before retiring. In retirement, Martin enjoyed long, winding road trips across the country on his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. The smile he wore while riding was brighter than the chrome on his bike.

As his health began to decline, Martin moved to Cambridge in 2021 to be closer to family -his son, Eric, his daughter-in-law, Carey, and the joy of his life, his grandson, Liam Lincoln. While living in Cambridge, he enjoyed walking in Danehy Park, taking long drives through the city and into Boston, and, most of all, watching Liam play baseball at St. Peter Field.

Martin is survived by his grandson, Liam, his son Michael, his son Eric, his daughter-in-law Carey, his brother Robert "Bob" Andersen, his nieces Cheryl, Donna, Kristen, and Linda, and his nephews Donald and Russell.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Donald Andersen, his sister Anita Ryle, and his sister Noreen Lyonnais.

Martin also leaves many dear friends, including David Bruce, his childhood and lifelong friend.

His memorial service will be held on Thursday, December 18th at 10 AM at the Saunders-Dwyer Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd, Route 6, Mattapoisett. Burial with military honors will follow at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. His family will receive visitors from 9-10 AM prior to the service. Instead of flowers or other gifts, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the Vietnam Veterans of America. For online condolence book, please visit www.saundersdwyer.com.