Jeffrey Martella

Jeffrey "Jeff" Lynn Martella passed away on July 13, 2025, age 59, at his home in Herriman, UT after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Born on August 7, 1965 in St. Petersburg, FL to Edmund "Ace" Frederic Martella and Patricia "Pat" Van Camp Martella, Jeff spent most of his childhood in Florida, until his family moved to Orem, UT when he was a teenager. After high school, he attended Southern Utah University and Mountainwest Business College, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Communications from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Jeff enjoyed a successful career in the hotel industry, which perfectly complemented his charismatic, magnetic, and dynamic personality. He was never shy about getting to know strangers and was always quick to remember names and faces-surely not to be forgotten by them as well.

Jeff was a devout and active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in a variety of callings over the years including temple ordinance worker, elders quorum president, gospel doctrine teacher, and Young Men's president. Jeff loved the teachings of Jesus Christ and drew hope in this life from his belief that families are forever.

Jeff was talented in many sports and particularly enjoyed basketball, baseball, swimming, and football. His favorite sport was basketball, a lifelong fan of the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. He enjoyed watching football and supported the Oakland Raiders and the BYU Cougars. He enjoyed playing (and cheating at) board games with his family and friends, going to the movies, listening to music, and spending time outdoors.

Jeff is survived by his daughters Natalie Marie Martella, Stephanie Lynn Monahan and her husband Brian Monahan, from his marriage to Kathleen Tenney Martella. Jeff also leaves behind his daughter-in-law, Karen Sewell and her husband Matthew Sewell, his granddaughters, Sophie Michael Martella Sewell, Olivia Sean Martella Sewell, Audrey James Martella Sewell, and his soon-to-be-born granddaughter, Siobhan Marie Monahan. Jeff is also survived by his sisters, Laura Steele (Greg) and Deborah Gargano (Robert), and his twin sister, Dawn Browning (Dave).

Jeff was preceded in death by his beloved son, Sean Michael Martella, and his parents, Ace and Pat Martella.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 4080 W 12600 S, Riverton, UT 84096. A family gathering will be held from 10:00 to 10:50 a.m. prior to the service. Graveside services will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, 1342 E 500 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84102.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Multiple Sclerosis charity of your choice, in honor of Jeff, who spent many years advocating for MS patients like himself.