Bob Gilmartin, a director of football sports performance at Columbia University, passed away on Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 58.
Columbia University announced the passing of their football coach Bob Gilmartin on their official social media.
According to the post, Gilmartin passed away after a long battle with illness, surrounded by his family.
Bob was battling with Cancer. In a YouTube video from March 21, 2024, Bob shared his profound journey through a cancer diagnosis.
In the video, the late Bob stated that despite living a healthy lifestyle, training hard, and doing everything “the right way,” he found himself confronted with the harsh reality of an illness that does not discriminate.
Despite his battle with cancer, Bob never lost hope. He fought until his last breath and continued to help student-athletes in their football journeys.
Gilmartin’s contribution to sports, especially at Columbia University, will always be remembered.
In addition to his professional journey, Bob was also known for his positive and brave nature.
Columbia University Athletics expressed their sorrow on social media regarding the passing of their football sport performance director and coach, Bob Gilmartin.
The post reads,
“We are saddened by the passing of Bob Gilmartin, Director of Football Sport Performance. Coach Gil positively impacted the lives of many student-athletes and colleagues. His spirit and energy will continue to inspire for years to come.”
Columbia Athletics
Many loved ones send heartfelt condolences to Bob Gilmartin’s family in response to his passing.
Bob Gilmartin is survived by his parents, James and Patricia Gilmartin; his brothers, Michael J. Gilmartin (Jennifer) of Massachusetts and James C. Gilmartin (Terry) of Virginia; and his sister, Susan Gilmartin Belzer (Tony) of Texas.
The late Bob Gilmartin joined Columbia University in 2014 as head strength and conditioning football coach!
Bob Gilmartin was a beloved member of Columbia University’s football program who touched the lives of thousands of student-athletes.
He joined Columbia University in April 2014 as the head strength and conditioning football coach.
Additionally, he developed and executed a thorough sports performance program while acting as the head strength and conditioning coach for football.
“When I came in as an assistant coach at Columbia in 2015, it was clear from day one that Bob Gilmartin was a person of the highest caliber,” said Jon Poppe, head football coach of Patricia and Shepard Alexander, recalling Bob’s contributions.
Jon further added,
“A person who invested his entire being into others to show that we can achieve beyond what we can see. We celebrate and honor Coach Gil by attacking our daily endeavors with unconditional commitment.”
Columbia Lions
The late Bob Gilmartin joined the Columbia staff after spending two years as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ assistant strength and conditioning coach with former Rutgers head coach Greg Schiano.
While working with the Buccaneers, he designed and implemented rehabilitation programs for injured players.
He was also responsible for preparing and updating the Buccaneers’ in-season weight training program and collaborated with the team nutritionist.
Before the Buccaneers, Gilmartin spent 11 years at Rutgers University, serving as the assistant strength and conditioning coach for the football team and head strength coach for varsity programs, including swimming and diving, men’s soccer, wrestling, field hockey, and lacrosse.
Bob Gilmartin was an NSCA-certified strength and conditioning specialist and graduated from the Univesity of Massachusetts with a bachelor’s degree in management in 1989.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- The late Bob Gilmartin was born Robert J. Gilmartin in 1966.
- His funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 13, at 11 a.m. at St. Edward the Confessor Church, 133 Spring St., Medfield.
- The burial will be held at Prospect Hill Cemetery in Millis, and the memorial service will take place on Wednesday, March 12, at the Robert Mitchell Caruso Funeral Home in Medfield.
