John Martell, 1114 French St. Extension, Sharon, passed away at 1:50 p.m. Monday, April 21, 2008, in the hospital of Sharon Regional Health System after a brief illness. He was 81.

Mr. Martell was born Jan. 21, 1927, in Thomas Mills, Pa., to Alfred and Cathryn Speicher Martell. As a teenager, Mr. Martell began working in Pennsylvania coal mines to help put food on the family table.

When the call to duty came from his country, John joined the Army and was stationed in Italy during World War II. After his honorable discharge, John joined the Coast Guard.

After his duty with the Coast Guard, Mr. Martell came to the Shenango Valley and began working as a carpenter.

He then married his wife, the former Marlene Welch, on May 24, 1955. They raised four daughters.

John retired from the former Sharon Steel Corp.’s Farrell plant after 40 years as head yardmaster, earning many awards. During his retirement, Mr. Martell worked for Community Resources for Independence in Sharon.

John was a member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7597, Farrell; American Legion; and Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 55, Farrell, where he was awarded the Pilgrim Degree of Merit.

He enjoyed woodworking and tending to his vegetable garden. John’s family will remember him as honest, generous and hard-working.

He is survived by: his wife, Marlene Martell, at home; his daughters, Catherine Martell, M.D., Sharon; Dian Danos and her husband George, Sharpsville; Peggy Weidler and her husband Michael; and Janet Martell and her significant other, Ed Kubyako, all Sharon; and his grandchildren, Leslie Danos, Kimberly Danos, James Danos and Stephen Weidler.

He is also survived by: his brothers, Bill Martell and his wife Helen; Don Martell and his wife Geri; and Bob Martell and his wife Helen; a sister, Ruth Holsopple; a sister-in-law, Pearl Martell; and many nieces and nephews.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Betty Boyer, Shirley Spencer and an infant sister; and a brother, Alfred Martell Jr.  

Memorial contributions may be made to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, 55 Kenosia Ave., Box 1968, Danbury, CT 06813-1968, www.rarediseases.org; or Moose Charities, a boys’ home, earmarked “For Kids,” 155 S. International Drive, Mooseheart, IL 60539-1100.

MARTELL

John, 81, of 1114 French St. Extension, Sharon.

Calling hours: 5 to 8 p.m. today (4-23-08) in SAMPLE-O’DONNELL FUNERAL HOME Inc., East State Street at North Oakland Avenue, Sharon, followed by services by Loyal Order of the Moose lodges 51 and 55 and District 14. Friends may send condolences or sign an online memorial guest registry at www.sampleodonnell.com