NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — The North Kingstown Skippers will honor their former football coach who died during a fishing incident in Narragansett this week. Tomorrow, the team will honor Joe Gilmartin at their game versus the Burrillville Broncos at 7 p.m. On Monday, 59-year-old Gilmartin died after witnesses saw him falling overboard into the water. According to a 911 call, they could see a boat doing circles off of Black Point in Narragansett. Lines were successfully thrown out to stop the boat and divers were able to locate Gilmartin. According to the North Kingstown School Department, Gilmartin was a high school history teacher and football coach. He retired back in 2019. “Joe was a beloved educator in the North Kingstown School Department,” Superintendent Kenneth A. Duva said. “Joe was well known to many staff, students, and community members in our town. He was a dedicated teacher, respected by his colleagues, and students.” The North Kingstown School Department posted to Facebook that they will “remember Mr. Gilmartin as a dedicated educator and coach.” According to his obituary, Gilmartin was a  history teacher, football, baseball, basketball, and hockey coach at North Kingstown Schools and at Bishop Feehan High School. He achieved awards throughout his coaching career including several Coach of The Year acknowledgements from multiple organizations. His obituary also states he was an avid fisherman, outdoorsman, and member of the RI Shellfisherman’s Association. Gilmartin is survived by his three kids, and his wife Mary Barden, the Executive Director of the National Education Association of Rhode Island. Categories: News