Martin C. Lewis
Martin C. Lewis passed away Sunday August 16th at his home in Ringoes NJ, succumbing to his battle with cancer. His spirit left this world peacefully, surrounded by his husband and longtime loving friends.
Martin grew up in New Madrid in Southeast Missouri, later moved to St Louis, continued his education in Boston and settled in the Delaware Valley more than 20 years ago when he joined the pharmaceutical industry.
The passing of his father, Ralph Lewis, when he was 17 led him to a life of service to others, he was an EMT who responded to the call. With a sense of urgency and curiosity he pursued multiple degrees from Biochemistry and Exercise Kinesiology to a culmination as a Nurse Practitioner specializing in HIV. His background in research drew him to the pharmaceutical world where he was instrumental in the exposure and distribution of new treatments that were being developed. His career involved working with physicians and researchers, AIDS activist groups nationally and internationally, and he once spoke to Congress. He excelled in this and was recognized repeatedly, being especially proud to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association of Nurses in AIDS Care.
He retired from that arena due to a series of illnesses that continued over the rest of his life. His resilience was truly remarkable and inspiring, overcoming many debilitating conditions to the amazement of those around him. He did this with positivity and his signature warmth, never daunted by doing what was necessary to recover. During healthy periods he taught, advised and had a practice in medical aesthetics.
Despite many traumas in his life, Martin was a beacon of light to those who knew him. He inspired many, sometimes unknowingly, and did so with humility and grace. He is no longer with us in body but his spirit and compassion will continue to influence those of us who were touched by his presence.
He is survived by his husband, Kevin McPheeters, his mother Beth Lewis, brother Edward Lewis, Sister in law Tracy, nieces Claire and Ryan Lewis, nephew Adam McPheeters, niece McKinley McPheeters, and his two beagles, Einstein and Sunshine.
A service will be planned and announced at a later date, donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Partners in Health, St. Judes or a charity of your choice.
Martin will be missed.
I met Martin and Kevan in New Jersey At their beautiful yellow home -almost a decade ago.- Kevan made a delicious buttery quiche that was probably 4 inches high,- it was so delicious- as we sat around the kitchen table -enjoying his wonderful lunch- we chatted- and got to know each other- found Martin to be fascinating -with his sharp intellect -as he shared his knowledge of health, medicine, and treatments. I was going through some issues at the time.- and ended up in the hospital in New York. He was very helpful - giving me advice to get better.- I was sad to learn of his untimely passing. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Kevan and their respective families and relatives and friends. Rest in Paradise.
Martin always had the biggest smile (and the biggest muscles) in the room. He always made a difference. He always showed up. His dedication to his job and his life were inspiring.
Oh my so sorry to hear this Martin was a shining light during the dark days of AIDS for so many We lost a beautiful soul 😢
Martin was a great friend, a wonderful man and an amazing nurse. What a loss to our community. Rest in peace Martin. You are missed.
Martin was truly an angel on earth. No matter what was going on in his own life, he was always checking in on the people he loved, always so caring and ready to help others, and was one of the kindest souls I've ever met. To know Martin was to love him. I am honored to have known him and call him my friend. Martin, you are so loved and so missed. ❤️❤️❤️
I met Martin at the MGH IHP we were in the same class within the HIV sub specialty program. We shared a lot of laughs as “adult learners” and his presence and stories inspired me and validated that I was on the right track with this work to go on to help others. We often had coffee in between classes and I cherished those moments and the laughs we shared. I am glad he is at peace and grateful to have known a man who helped so many- including me.
What beautiful words for a beautiful man.
What beautiful words for a beautiful man.
I met Martin at the MGH IHP we were in the same class within the HIV sub specialty program. We shared a lot of laughs as “adult learners” and his presence and stories inspired me and validated that I was on the right track with this work to go on to help others. We often had coffee in between classes and I cherished those moments and the laughs we shared. I am glad he is at peace and grateful to have known a man who helped so many- including me.
Martin was truly an angel on earth. No matter what was going on in his own life, he was always checking in on the people he loved, always so caring and ready to help others, and was one of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. To know Martin was to love him. I am honored to have known him and call him my friend. Martin, you are so loved and so missed. ❤️❤️❤️
Martin was a great friend, a wonderful man and an amazing nurse. What a loss to our community. Rest in peace Martin. You are missed.
Oh my so sorry to hear this
Martin was a shining light during the dark days of AIDS for so many
We lost a beautiful soul 😢
Martin always had the biggest smile (and the biggest muscles) in the room. He always made a difference. He always showed up. His dedication to his job and his life were inspiring.
I met Martin and Kevan in New Jersey At their beautiful yellow home -almost a decade ago.- Kevan made a delicious buttery quiche that was probably 4 inches high,- it was so delicious- as we sat around the kitchen table -enjoying his wonderful lunch- we chatted- and got to know each other- found Martin to be fascinating -with his sharp intellect -as he shared his knowledge of health, medicine, and treatments. I was going through some issues at the time.- and ended up in the hospital in New York. He was very helpful – giving me advice to get better.- I was sad to learn of his untimely passing. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Kevan and their respective families and relatives and friends. Rest in Paradise.