Harry J. Martello 90, of Franklin, died peacefully, Wednesday November 14, 2012 at the Ellis Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Norwood following an illness. He was the husband of the late Anita F. “Babe” (Brunelli) Martello, who died in 2010.
Born September 2, 1922 in Franklin a son of the late Angelo and Guilia (Silveri) Martello, he was a longtime Franklin resident, and lived in Harwich for 13 years before coming back to Franklin in 2011.
He was raised and educated in Franklin, and until his retirement several years ago, worked as a manager for Sears Roebuck & Company for 36 years.
In October of 1942, Harry became part of the greatest generation, he joined the United States Navy during World War II; he attained the rank of Carpenter’s Mate First Class and was stationed aboard the USS Augusta. He was awarded the World War II Victory Medal, the American Area Campaign Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Area Medal with 3 Stars, and was commended by the President for smartness, performance of duty & excellent behavior ashore and in foreign parts. He was honorably discharged in December of 1945.
He was a member of the Franklin Rotary Club, the Franklin Lions Club, and the Franklin Lodge of Elks, the Knights of Columbus, and a former member of the St. Anthony Society. He was a former councilman for the Town of Franklin, the former Election Warden in Franklin, a former member of the Board of Assessors in Franklin, a member of the Harwich Board of Appeals and the Harwich Republican Town Committee.
He is survived by a son, Mark H. Martello and his wife Ann of Wrentham, a brother Alfred D. “Fred” Martello of Franklin, 3 sisters; Josephine Luccini of Franklin, Pauline Manocchio of Franklin, and Ann Balser of Attleboro. He also leaves his beloved grandchildren Benjamin Martello of Boston and Elizabeth (Martello) Esmond and her husband Christopher of Foxboro.
He was the brother of the late Mary Bertoni, Anthony Martello, Eleanor Vendetti, Phyllis Certuse, and John A. “Junior” Martello.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral with military honors Monday November 19th, at 9:15AM from the Charles F. Oteri & Son Franklin Funeral Home 33 Cottage St. Franklin, www.oterifuneralhome.com, with a funeral Mass in St. Mary’s Church 1 Church Sq. at 10AM.
Interment will follow in the parish cemetery.
Calling hours are Sunday Nov. 18th, from 2-6PM.
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be sent to the Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital 148 Chestnut St. Needham, MA 02492 would be appreciated.