‘Santa George’ of North Smithfield dies at age 73

A man who long embraced the role of Saint Nick, donning a red suit and hat to bring joy to northern Rhode Island families for decades, has died at the age of 73.

George Martin died suddenly on Monday, March 9 after battling illness, according to his daughter.

Martin, a North Smithfield resident, was widely known as “Santa George,” not just morphing into Kris Kringle to appear around the holidays, but rather, owning the persona as a year-round lifestyle.

When NRI NOW interviewed Martin in 2018, he said first appeared as Santa in 1969 at the age of 16, in a suit purchased at Sears for $19. He would go on to fully commit to the job of merry-making, striping and dying his beard several times a year to get it the proper snowy white, and purchasing a wardrobe featuring not just the traditional hat and robe, but also three red zoot suits, plus Hawaiian shirts for the summer.

At Christmas time, Martin was considered among the best Santas in New England, appearing at the region’s premiere events, from the Polar Express train ride in Woonsocket, to Santa’s Wonderland at Bass Pro Shops in Foxborough, Mass. He was featured in Christmas commercials for Cardi’s Furniture, was a frequent guest on The Rhode Show, and appeared at several events with the Gloria Gemma Breast Cancer Research Foundation, where he would change the white fur on his robe to pink.

His commitment would inspire others in the Martin family to also take on the role, with a brother and nephew regularly dressing in their own Santa suits each year around the holidays.

This week, many mourned the loss of the local legend, noting the place he held in the traditions of generations of Rhode Islanders.

“He was the Santa to mine and many families,” noted Hopedale-Mass.-based photographer Heather Best.

“The world has definitely lost the best Santa a.k.a. Santa George Martin,” noted Jackie Vincent in a post on the loss. “Along with being the best Santa, he was the kindest man, and we always looked forward to visiting him and not just a Christmas but also Christmas in July.”

“He was just a wonderful person, and I am honored to have known him,” Vincent added.

“Santa George Martin was the real deal,” noted Briget Samson D’Antonio. “Rest in peace, my friend. You will be missed by everyone who knew you, adored you, and believed in you.”

The loss was also acknowledged by others who have walked in Claus’s shoes in the wider region.

“Santa George was one of the best and most known Santas in New England,” noted Merrimack, NH-based Santa Dan Greenleaf.

Martin’s daughter, Tiffani Martin, started a fundraiser last year to help with her father’s medical expenses, which she noted will now be used to help with funeral costs.

A memorial service will be held at Keene Brown Funeral Home at 445 Greenville Road in North Smithfield on Saturday, March 28. Calling hours are 9 a.m. to noon with the service to follow at noon.