MARTELL, David J., 64, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his devoted family, on December 31, 2023, after a courageous two-year battle with melanoma.
A 1977 graduate of Christopher Columbus High in Boston’s North End, David was an outstanding athlete and student, receiving a baseball scholarship to attend Salem State College. His athletic prowess gave him the nickname of “Super Dave” which stuck with him later in life on the softball fields.
David was a treasured friend and mentor to many across his decades of public service in Charlestown and West Roxbury, working for the Boston Center for Youth and Families for 28 years. After leaving the community centers, David joined the New England Golf Corporation, working at the Lost Brook and Pine Meadows golf courses. For anyone who knew him, it was clear that David had found his “dream job” and was never heard once referring to his job as work. A passionate golfer, David had a warm smile and composed demeanor, and loved the colleagues and friends he worked and played with every day.
A lifelong Bostonian known for his kindness, and love of his family and friends, David is survived by his loving wife of 27 years Mary (Haskell) Martell and devoted son John (Jack) Martell of Brookline, MA. Raised in Charlestown, MA, David was one of six boys to the late John L. and Margaret M. (Doherty) Martell. Predeceased by his brothers Kevin J. and Paul M. Martell of Charlestown, MA, David leaves his brother, John L. Martell and his wife Cheryl of Billerica, MA, Steven F. Martell, and Daniel G. Martell and his wife Kerri of Reading, MA. His nieces, nephews and grandniece, Shannon, Annie, Owen, Emily, Sadie, Annabelle, Ronan, Orla, Emma, Connor, Melissa, Jennifer, and Paige will remember him for his kindness, compassion, wit and love for fishing and his annual holiday trivia.
Visiting hours will take place Saint John Chrysostom Parish at 4750 Washington Street, West Roxbury, Massachusetts on Friday, January 5 from 11 a.m. to Noon, followed by a funeral mass beginning at Noon. Relatives and friends are invited. A private burial will follow at the Forest Hills Cemetery, Jamaica Plain, MA.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club of Charlestown, Mass.