Jesse S. Martell

Jesse S. Martell, 88, formerly of Salina St., passed away at home on Friday, October 23, 2009 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Schenectady to Michael and Grace Markley Martello, Jesse was a lifelong goose hill neighborhood resident. From 1943 to 1946, Jesse served our country in the United States Army assigned to the 743rd Field Artillery Battalion. For 43 years, Jesse worked as a machinist at the General Electric Co. before retiring. For 55 years, Jesse pursued his hobby of "work" at his summer residence on the Sacandaga Lake in Broadalbin. His "work" included cutting trees, weed eating, digging ditches and this ensured him the opportunity of spending time with his family, friends, talking about the war and helping people. His wife of 63 years, Eugenia "Jean" Martell passed away in 2004. He is survived by his loving daughter, Jean Marie Martell Fretto of Rotterdam; his loving granddaughter and her husband, Leah Marie and Jerry Guidarelli of Rotterdam; loving grandson and his wife, John Michael and Toni Fretto of Rotterdam and loving granddaughter and her husband, Jodi Marie and Chakula Brooks of Schenectady. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Alexandra Marie Guidarelli, Jonathon Edward Fretto and Tyler Anthony Fretto all of Rotterdam. He is also survived by his sister, Rose Bonaquist of Schenectady and several brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Jesse was predeceased by his brothers, Andrew and Vincent Martell and his dear friend "Spike". The family would like to extend special thanks to Jesse's caretaker, Donna Jackson, Jesse's niece, Sandy Mills, Dr. Busino and Natalie and to Community Hospice of Schenectady. Family and friends are invited to call at the DeMarco-Stone Funeral Home, 1605 Helderberg Ave., Rotterdam on Monday October 26, 2009 from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Immediately following the calling period a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 noon at St. Anthony's Church, Seward Place. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Cyril's Cemetery, Rotterdam. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Community Hospice of Schenectady, 1411 Union St., Schenectady, NY 12308.