WILLIAM A. MARTINELLI

William A. Martinelli 87, of Susan Circle, Johnston died on Saturday October 3, 2009. He was the husband of Edith (Tavarozzi) Martinelli whom he had been married for 62 years. Born in Johnston he was the son of the late Angelo and Daniela (Longo) Martinelli. He was a graduate of Classical High School, Providence College and attended Boston University Law School. He was a WW-2 Navy Veteran receiving his Naval Officer Commission in July 1943 and later was assigned to the Destroyer Escord U.S.S. Weber where he and his shipmates received an American Theatre Ribbon, a European-African Ribbon and an Asiatic-Pacific Ribbon (1 star). He was also on the ship when it went to Nagasaki (after the bomb) to take out American prisoners of war. He was a co-founder and President of both Pak-All Products and Tri-Par Industries and co-owner of Brides Showcase from 1968-1998. He was a Charter Member and past President of the Johnston Lions Club, a co-founder and Chairman of the Johnston Citizens Group which in 1961 initiated the successful movement for a Home Rule Charter, a Charter Member and Past President of the Alpine Country Club, a former member of Bear Lakes Country Club West Palm Beach. Most importantly he was a man of great integrity and compassion. Besides his wife he is survived by two sons William Martinelli of FL, Jean Martinelli and his wife Paula and their two children Elizabeth and Antonio who were his pride and joy of Johnston. He was the brother of the late Ezekiel Martinelli. His funeral will be held on Wednesday at 8:30am from the NARDOLILLO FUNERAL HOME 1278 Park Ave. Cranston followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St. Robert Bellarmine Church, Johnston at 9:30am. Burial, with military honors, will be in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. VISITING HOURS Tuesday 5-8pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to St. Robert Bellarmine Food Closet 1804 Atwood Ave. Johnston, RI 02910.

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