Obituary: Frank Martinelli

MADISON - Frank J. Martinelli, age 81, of Madison, died on Sunday, June 27, 2004, in his home. Frank was born in Madison, on Sept. 30, 1922, to Pacifico Giovanni Giuseppe and Constancia "Elvira" (Ponti) Martinelli, emigrants from Issolaccia, Italy. Frank was a graduate of Madison Central High School. As a soldier in World War II in the 115th Infantry Regiment, he served in the European Theater and was awarded a purple heart and bronze star. He married Gladys Mary Schey on Oct. 26, 1946, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sun Prairie. Frank was a grocer for 37 years as owner of Marty's Mart for seven years in Deansville, and Martinelli Market for 30 years on Olin Avenue in Madison. A devoted father and husband, he loved people, the theater, dancing, golf, cards, food, and practical jokes. He was a member of Confraternity of Christian Doctrine for 55 years, the Italian Workmen's Club and the Knights of Columbus. His greatest joy was his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Gladys; a son, Michael; and his brother, Ernest. He is survived by six children, Linda (Harry) Brokish, Gail (Scott Spoolman) Martinelli, David (Tony Lueck) Martinelli, Philip (Sandra) Martinelli, Julie Martinelli and Daniel (Kate) Martinelli; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Peter, Christopher, Matthew, Gina, Will, Katie, Jason, Jennifer, Rachel, Dominic, Abby and Victor; a daughter-in-law, Mrs. Michael (Lesley) Martinelli; two great-grandchildren, Mackenzie and Bailey; and four sisters-in-law, Marion (Roland) Hunsader of Fort Atkinson, Mabel (Chester) Kuharski of Monona, Irene Schey of Brookfield, and Laura (Emden) Schey of Sun Prairie. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a rosary at 7:30 p.m., on Tuesday, June 29, 2004. Funeral services will be at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2131 Rowley Ave., Madison, at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2004. Father Patrick Norris, O.P., will officiate. Burial will be in Highland Memory Gardens Cemetery. Gunderson East Funeral Home 5203 Monona Drive

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on June 29, 2004