after the 1884 season, powell retired from baseball due to impaired health and went into business with his brother. he died of consumption (an outdated term usually referring to tuberculosis) at his home in fitchburg, massachusetts, in february 1888. he was 31 years old at the time of his death. following his death, a writer in the "sporting life" noted: "martin powell was a model man, a kind friend, a devoted catholic, loved and respected by all." he was buried at st. bernard's cemetery.