Bob Gilmartin, Revered Broadcast-Engineering Vet, Dies After Cancer Battle

Bob Gilmartin, one of the most respected broadcast-engineering minds in the industry over the past four decades, died on Jan. 26 after a battle with cancer. A recipient of five Technical Emmy Awards for several of high-profile projects, Gilmartin had more than 40 years of professional experience in broadcast systems and broadcast architectural design, detailing, integration, consultancy, and operations.

Broadcast engineering stalwart Bob Gilmartin died on Jan. 26, 2019.

With more than 100 projects in his resume, he was highly respected in the industry for his years of involvement with the various systems and technological applications as well as his thorough understanding of Broadcast facility infrastructure and focus on project management.

Gilmartin’s overall background included over 10 years with Broadcast Integration Services (BIS),  seven years with The Systems Group, 10 years with AF Associates/Ascent Media and 12 years with the CBS Television Network. Additional independent design and detailing Consulting also included project responsibilities with Time Warner and Charter Broadcast.

He served as Director of Engineering for the CBS Olympics and Communications Project Manager for the NBC Olympics; and collectively, was a veteran of more than 10 Summer and Winter Olympic Games.

Over the past several years, most recently consulted on several high-profile projects as Senior Technical Consultant with specific expertise in Broadcast Architectural infrastructure design including Mechanical (HVAC), Electrical, Plumbing (MEP), and Acoustical design parameters.

In addition to his accomplishments in Broadcast Engineering, Gilmartin held a BSEE, MSEE, and Engineer Degree in Electrical Engineering / Computer Science and was pursuing the final thesis for a Ph.D. He was also a licensed Commercial HVAC Design Engineer and Motion Picture Projectionist and held five specialized certifications and licenses in these fields, including NATE certification. Additionally, Bob held a General Radiotelephone and Ham Extra Radio Licenses. He was a New York State licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) and a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).

Professional society involvement included full membership in SMPTE, where he was a Manager for the New York Section, as well as a member of AES and RSES.

Gilmartin was also an accomplished musician, performing on pedal steel guitar with his Hudson Valley based band Quick Draugh for many years. Additionally, he was a keen tube enthusiast, including antique radios and amplifiers.