Carmen Martella

Carmen Martella, age 93, of Wallingford, PA, passed away on February 18, 2024. Born December 19, 1930 in Philadelphia, PA, he was the beloved son of the late Joseph and Rose Martella (nee Salverio), the second oldest of four siblings. He met the love of his life, Joan Tanda at a church picnic. He attended Bok Vocational Technical School and was drawn to the A/V department, starting his life-long association with electric technologies. He spent much of his time in school working in that area, just keeping up with his other studies. His mother introduced him to model trains, and over time, he built an elaborate setup which spanned nearly half a room.

Carmen began to work in the trades. He found a mentor and friend in an HVAC contractor who inspired Carmen to start his own electrical contracting business, Martella Electric, in 1955. He built a business that has become a legacy, thriving today into a third generation of Martella’s at the helm. Serving third generation customers as well. With the business, and his family, growing, he moved his family into a new home in the budding suburb of Upper Darby.

Carmen was a devout Roman Catholic, his entire life regularly attending Mass, and always a generous supporter of their mission. His children joined the Scouts, and Carmen became Advancement Chairman, where he made a positive impact on many young men's lives. He became an integral part of the Boy Scout Troop 251 at St. Laurence. His creative talents were in display there as he choreographed many Courts of Honors that were held to congratulate the young men as they advanced through the ranks. He was an integral part of the many adventures the troop took, his truck being packed with gear and tools for the many camping trips. His pinnacle came at the 1973 Boy Scout Jamboree held near Pittsburgh, where he designed and built an amazing display with the theme "The Greatest Growth On Earth".  

Carmen and his wife, Joan, enjoyed square dancing, making lifelong friends they traveled and danced with. Working most of the year, he would make time each summer to take his family for a beach day. But later, he and Joan traveled the world, cruising and flying to many exotic places, visiting every continent but Antarctica. One of the highlights occurred while in Italy; he visited the home where his mother had been born. 

He was a member of the YMCA for 30 plus years, joining the "bad back" group which swam weekly. He was an avid photographer since his youth and always had an eye for a great picture. An early shot indicating his creativity was a silhouette picture taken of Joan on their honeymoon. He began the hobby of stained glass on his own, later taking a class and was told he was good enough to teach it. Stained glass became his life's passion during his final years. He created unique stained glass items for friends and family, either from requests or from dreams he had of the subject to be presented. He made hundreds of lovely pieces that are now treasured by all the fortunate recipients. He loved his family, had friends everywhere, always had a smile, always had a joke, and loved to share a meal, with dessert of course.

Carmen was the beloved husband of the late Joan Martella, OCDS (nee Tanda) for 67 wonderful years; loving father of Richard Martella (Ann), Rev. Linda Martella-Whitsett (Giles), Susan Mahoney (James), Andrew Martella, Sr. (Susan), and Christopher Martella (Vicky Primer); adoring grandfather of 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; caring brother of Rita Bradley (the late Richard “Dick”). Also survived by many other loving family members. Predeceased by his children, Carmen Martella, Jr. (the late Dawn) and Maureen Martella-Mason (Donald), and his siblings, Joseph Martella, Jr. (the late Jean) and Sally Wark (the late Robert).

Relatives and friends are invited to his Viewing 6:00-8:00 PM on Friday, February 23, 2024 and 9:00-10:15 AM on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at The Donohue Funeral Home, 8401 West Chester Pike, Upper Darby, PA 19082, followed by his Funeral Mass 11:00 AM at St. Kevin Church, 200 W. Sproul Rd., Springfield, PA 19064. Interment SS Peter & Paul Cemetery. 

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Carmen's name to Sisters of Life-Annunciation Motherhouse, 38 Montebello Rd., Suffern, NY 10901, sistersoflife.org, or Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America, colbsa.org, would be appreciated.