John J. Martell

John J. Martell, age 73, of New Milford, died Thursday, September 9, 2010 at home, surrounded by his family after fighting a courageous battle with cancer. He was the husband of Diane E. Palmieri Martell. Mr. Martell was born in Norwalk, May 17, 1937, son of the late Mary Palochick Archiere. He started his career as a meat cutter at Safeway and retired as meat cutter-manager from Adams Market in Watertown in 1999. He later worked for several years at Northville Market. Mr. Martell was a member in good standing with United Food and Commercial Workers Union. He was a New York Yankee fan and avid gardener and cook. He always enjoyed his Wednesday morning breakfast at Theo's with his best friends, Paul and Jim. His family would like to give a special thank you to all the physicians, nurses, technicians and staff for all their love and support, especially the staff in the Cancer Center, Emergency Room, Hospice, Social Services and Pharmacy. In addition to his wife of 25 years, he is survived by two sons, David Martell and his wife Laura, and Andrew Martell and his girl friend Isabella Sperduto; three daughters, Pam Martell, Maryann Martell Vanterpool and her husband Art, and Wendy Martell Boughton and her husband Matt; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 10 A.M. at St. Francis Xavier Church, New Milford. Burial will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Trumbull. Friends may call on Monday, September 13, 2010, from 5 to 8 P.M. at the Lillis Funeral Home, 58 Bridge Street, New Milford, CT. In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to make a contribution in John's memory to the New Milford Hospital Foundation for Cancer Care Services for men, 21 Elm Street, New Milford, CT. 06776.