Tony Martell, Founder Of T.J. Martell Foundation, Dies At 90
We were saddened to learn that longtime music industry executive-turned-philanthropist Tony Martell, Founder and Chairman of the T.J. Martell Foundation, died Sunday, November 27 at his home in Madison, NJ at the age of 90. Martell started the Foundation for leukemia, cancer and AIDs research in honor of his son T.J., who died in 1975 at the age of 19 after battling leukemia.
Tony Martell was a senior executive in the music industry from the 1960s to the ’90s, working with artists across numerous formats. His experience as an A&R Director, record label VP and label head could not eclipse his profound commitment to honoring the promise he made to his son many years ago — to find a cure to help others. Since 1975, the T.J. Martell Foundation has thus far raised over $270 million dollars for innovative scientific research at flagship hospitals in the United States. Under Martell’s leadership the foundation has become the music industry’s largest foundation which funds innovative research focused on finding cures for leukemia, cancer and AIDs.
A message on the T.J. Martell website read, in part, “Tony taught us all how to keep fighting for what we believe in and to do what we can to help others in need. He never gave up on his fight to find a cure for cancer and through his passion, energy and perseverance the T.J. Martell Foundation has supported flagship hospitals in the United States and raised over $270 million for leukemia, cancer and AIDS research. Tony’s smile, energy and incredible devotion will be missed beyond words. We will work even harder now to keep his memory and dream alive and one day finding a cure for the diseases that he spent his life fighting. In honor of his son T.J., for whom the foundation is named, we celebrate the life of Tony Martell whose work saved lives, provided patients with innovative treatments and gave thousands of people hope. We will miss you Tony.” Martell is survived by his daughter, Debbie Martell of Florham Park, NJ. Memorial plans will be announced soon.
