Arnie Martel, 67, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, passed away surrounded by the love of his family.
Arnie was a man who was always on the go. Energetic, hardworking, funny, and full of life, he rarely sat still for long. He was a passionate drag racer and proud member of the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA), where he enjoyed the thrill of driving race cars and the excitement of the racing community. Whether he was behind the wheel, working on one of his land development projects with his longtime building partner, Marc Ginsburg, spending time at his barn, cheering from the sidelines at his grandchildren’s sporting events, or traveling with his beloved wife and best friend, Sandy, Arnie was happiest when he was doing something and surrounded by the people he loved.
For 46 years, Arnie and Sandy shared a life filled with love, laughter, travel, and countless adventures. Sandy was not only his wife, but his best friend, right hand, and partner through all of life’s adventures. Together they built a life and a family filled with memories that will be treasured forever.
Arnie leaves behind his beloved wife, Sandy; his children, Katie, Arnie and his wife Jessica (Maxwell) Martel, and Jill and her husband John Simpson; his grandchildren, Alexis, Austin, Jack, Thomas, and Kendall; his brother and best friend, Mark Martel; Eddie Vicari, who remained a close friend of the family; and his father figure and mentor, Jim Boudreau. He also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and friends too numerous to count, many of whom he considered family. Arnie loved his family deeply and had a special gift for making everyone feel welcome.
One of Arnie’s favorite places was his barn, a special space that reflected so much of who he was. Decorated with reminders of his accomplishments and the life he had built, the barn was more than a project—it was a place where Arnie could share stories, laugh, and bring people together. He wanted everyone who walked through the door to feel welcomed, have fun, and make memories. It was a true reflection of Arnie himself: hardworking, proud of what he accomplished, and happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.
Those who knew Arnie will remember his humor, his incredible energy, and his willingness to always be there for someone. His familiar words, “Just checking in,” and “If you need anything, let me know,” perfectly captured the kind of person he was. He checked in because he cared, and he offered help because that was simply who Arnie was.
Arnie was predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Joan (White) Martel; his brother, Donald Martel; and his nephew, Peter Martel.
Arnie leaves behind a lifetime of memories with his family and friends. His laughter, stories, hard work, and unmistakable presence will live on in the people he loved most.
He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered.
All are welcome to attend his Funeral Mass to be celebrated on Tuesday, August 18th, at 11 a.m. at St. William’s Church, 1351 Main Street, Route 38, Tewksbury. Please meet at church. Services will conclude with interment at St. Mary Cemetery, 90 River Road, Tewksbury. At Arnie’s request there are No Calling Hours. Please Omit Flowers.
Donations in his memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org or to Tewksbury Community Pantry at www.tewksburypantry.org