Capt. Robert John Martin

Celebrating the life of Robert J. Martin

A life well lived and deeply loved. 

We invite you to honor his memory and celebrate the impact he had on all of us.

Please follow this link for more Celebration of Life information and to RSVP.

A look back at a life well lived and deeply loved.

Robert J. Martin, 83, of Cerritos, California, passed away peacefully on the morning of April 4, 2026. He was a beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend, and mentor and will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Born on December 16, 1942 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, to Leroy and Ruth Martin, Bob showed an early aptitude for both leadership and service which would go on to shape his life. After serving in the Merchant Marines, Bob moved to California where he spent twenty-eight years with the Los Angeles Police Department, rising to the rank of Captain.

During his time there, he served assignments that ranged from undercover vice and homicide to Commanding Officer of the Detective Headquarters Division and Personnel Division where he managed the human resource functions for over 11,000 LAPD officers. He also served as Commanding Officer of the Los Angeles Emergency Control Center during both the 1994 Northridge Earthquake and the Rodney King riots.

Bob founded the first Threat Management Unit in the country and pioneered the first police use of MOSAIC, an innovative approach for evaluating threats to public figures. He was the recipient of the LAPD’s Service Excellence Award, Personnel Management Award, Olympic Planning Ribbon, and Papal Visit Planning Ribbon. At the time of his retirement from the LAPD he received citations from the President of the United States, the Governor of California, the Los Angeles City Council, and the Police Commission.

Bob went on to serve as Vice President of Gavin de Becker & Associates for two decades after which time he became a valued consultant, trainer, and public speaker. His time with Toastmasters cemented his love of public speaking and he traveled the country sharing his knowledge and his stories. He was a regular lecturer on criminal justice matters at California State University, Long Beach and guest lecturer on issues related to domestic violence at the University of Southern California.

He served on the board of directors for organizations close to his heart including Alliance for Hope International, Operation for Hope, IMPACT Personal Safety, Safe and Sound Schools, and For the Child.

Bob married Babette Mazarro in 1966 and together they raised a beautiful family in Cerritos, California. They spent many summers in Oakhurst and joyful holidays with their extended family. He enjoyed a good story, a funny joke, performing magic, and playing billiards. In his early years, Bob was an avid runner and he continued his passion for fitness by visiting the gym almost daily into his eighties. His extensive library was full of books on self-improvement and leadership. Bob cherished his trips to Fiji which he said was his favorite place on earth.

His beloved dog, Connor, often accompanied him on his frequent runs to Starbucks. Another favorite spot was the La Mirada Theatre where he shared many special memories with Babette, his daughters, grandchildren, and friends.

Bob was deeply committed to showing up for his family, and his children and grandchildren will remember him as their beloved Cappy. Whether it was a dance competition, stage production, recital, horse show, or drone soccer tournament, he could often be found supporting those he loved most.

Bob is survived by his children Stacy (Kurt), Ryan (Dayna), and Holly, his grandchildren Abigail, Amelia, Adam, Jenny, Jordan, Maddison, Scarlett, Olivia, Presley, and Violet, and his sister Kyle.