October 9, 2024 – Whitewater, WI – A kind request for neighbors and parishioners from Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church in West Bend, Wi, to keep Rev. Clarissa Martinelli and her family in your thoughts and prayers following the death of her husband Martin. The Martinelli’s were very recognizable in the community at church functions and events for veterans. Martin’s obituary is below, and the service is Saturday, October 12, 2024.
Martin Jack Martinelli – a devoted man of God and a beacon of love for his family, affectionately known for his kind, tender, and rock n’ roll personality – joined his family in Heaven on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in the arms of his devoted bride, Clarissa.
Compassionate and humble, with a contagious smile and infectious laugh, Martin was a good, gentle man, who turned heads every time he talked. Martin’s legacy of kindness and spiritual strength will forever inspire us, and he will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him.
Born on September 13, 1960, in San Mateo, California to the late Jack and Betty (née Tingle) Martinelli. Martin lived a life filled with tremendous passion and service towards others. Following high school, he worked various jobs before dedicating his life to serving others by answering God’s summons with the simple utterance, “Here I am, send me.” With passionate commitment, Martin enlisted in the United States Navy in February 1979. After graduating from Boot Camp in San Diego, California, Martin completed Hospital Corpsman “A” School in San Diego, California. After graduation, Martin was assigned to Naval Branch Health Clinic aboard Naval Air Station El Centro in El Centro, California. Hospital Corpsman Third Class Martin Martinelli had a loyal and meritorious service at the branch hospital and was heading to a new duty assignment aboard the USS Sacramento (AOE-1). However, this assignment was waylaid due to a life-changing accident.
Martin was reassigned to Naval Regional Medical Center (NRMC) Bremerton, Washington. Unbeknown to Martin, divine fate had stepped in for this is where Martin would receive his eternal gift from God. On April 2, 1982, Hospital man Apprentice Clarissa Griffin began her naval career at NRMC Bremerton, where she would meet her best friend and the love of her life.
The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” On February 17, 1983, God created the Martin and Clarissa love story; seeing each other as God’s personal, perfect provision!
Place me like a seal over your heart, like a seal on your arm; for love is as strong as death, its jealousy unyielding as the grave. It burns like blazing fire, like a mighty flame. Many waters cannot quench love; rivers cannot sweep it away. If one were to give all the wealth of one’s house for love, it would be utterly scorned. – Song of Solomon 8:6-7
Martin was honorably retired from the United States Navy in 1982 and began his role as Military Spouse and a stellar career as a Civil Servant. As a Military Spouse, he kept the home fires burning as Clarissa honorably served the U. S. Navy for nearly 25 years. Through long tours, frequent moves, and constant demands, Martin remained unwavering, representing the very best of our American spirit. As a Military Spouse, Martin was highly respected for his resilient, courageous, and committed service and sacrifice for our Nation. His incredible contributions to our country and communities, even as he shouldered the unique demands of family and military life. Martin exuded patience and selflessness during uncertainty and unpredictability. In ways big and small, Martin answered the call to serve every day – being both the backbone of our family and the steel spine of our Nation.
Concurrently, Martin began his Civil Servant vocation. Martin served the people of the United States through diverse jobs he held with the federal government for over 17 years. He enjoyed every minute of it, and felt he did his part to make the world a better place. Martin received exceptional performance awards, letters of commendation and appreciation every year during his exceptional years as a Civil Servant.
At the end of 2000, Martin made a career shift. With hard work, integrity, energy, innovation, and service as his foundational ethics, Martin began a profession in car sales that would catapult him to top-rated expert sales associate cumulating to Business Development Center (BDC) Manager for Ford Motors.
Friendly and ambitious, topped with Martin’s exemplary managerial experience, led to him being recognized for outstanding meritorious service as BDC Manager; consistently performing these demanding duties in a highly professional manner, directly leading to the successful relevant and effective business growth of several Ford dealerships and exceptional customer satisfaction.
Martin was a lifelong rock ‘n’ roll fan, especially of Ozzy Osborn, KISS and Metallica. He had a passion for Chicago Blackhawks and Oakland Athletics. His interests also extended to golf, board games, darts, movies, and bowling. Martin was a bright light in the world and had a big heart to match his radiant smile. Out of all the things that Martin loved, nothing meant more than simple days shared with Clarissa “Clair,” The Daughters, Amme, and his furry Girls and Boy.
Martin leaves behind to cherish memory his beloved wife of 41 years, Rev. Clarissa Martinelli; daughters, Biancha Martinelli and Sophia Martinelli; son, Nicolas Martinelli; beloved granddaughter, Amme Joy; siblings, Cindy Hinds and Kim (Kurt) Davidson; Eric (Mary) Griffin; Anthony (Maggie) Griffin; Janice (Mario) Owens; uncle, Michael Martinelli, furry daughters, Cookie and Sadie Mae; grand-pups, Hachi and Rocco; many nephews, nieces and other much-loved relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Martin was preceded in death by his daddy and mother, Rev. Willie and Sis. Emma Griffin; and treasured daughter, Interior Communication Specialist Third Class Marissa Martinelli; brother-in-law, Mike Hinds.
He loved intently, was loved deeply, and will truly be missed.
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Martin’s family will greet relatives and friends from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Faceville United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 12, 2024. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 a.m. at Faceville United Methodist Church on Saturday, October 12, 2024. with Rev. Clarissa Martinelli officiating. A Celebration Memorial Service will be held on November 16, 2024, from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at Whitewater First United Methodist Church.
The family would like to extend thanks to the staff of Agrace Hospice, for their compassionate care.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Wounded Warrior Project in memory of Martin J. Martinelli.
Nitardy Funeral Homes Bruton Mortuary, 550 N Newcomb St., Whitewater, WI 53190
