Paul W. Martell, Sr.

1931 – 2022

Putnam – Paul W. Martell, Sr., 90, of Church St., died Thursday evening, May 26, 2022, at Westview Healthcare. He was the loving husband of 63 years to Norma B. (Bourgeois) Martell. Born in Greece, NY, he was the son of the late Melvin and Barbara (Smith) Martell.

Paul was a Korean War veteran of the United States Army serving in the Honor Guard in Washington DC before being sent to combat with the 23^rd infantry regiment of the famed second division. He was honorably discharged at Camp Pickett, VA on December 19, 1952.

After initially coming to Connecticut with the phone company to rebuild following the “Flood of 55”, Paul permanently relocated to Putnam. He worked for several manufacturing companies as a mechanic, eventually settling at Wyckoff Steel in Putnam until its closing after which he became a licensed journeyman electrician. In addition, he served as a Deputy Sherriff in Windham County for many years.

He was a life member, service officer and past Post Commander of the VFW 1523 as well as a member of the American Legion. He was also an active member in the community for many years serving on the Putnam Democratic Town Committee, as a communicant at St. Mary Church and as a member of the St. Mary Circle of Fun committee. He enjoyed travel, camping, motorcycle riding, golfing, and most of all time with his family.

Paul is survived by his wife, Norma (Bourgeois) Martell of Putnam; his children, Paul W. Martell, Jr. and his wife Ann of Manchester, Kevin M. Martell and his wife Susan of New Hampton, NY, David A. Martell and his wife Higia of San Diego, CA, Patricia J. Fondelheit and her husband Bruce of Putnam, Sandra M. Martell and her wife Karen Winchester of Manchester, and Jennifer M. Gadue and her husband Michael of Brooklyn, CT; his sister, Margaret McNaughton of Glens Falls, NY; his seven grandchildren, Paul III, Sarah, Benjamin, Nicholas, Emily, Zachary, and Olivia and his three great grandchildren, Madelyn, Brianna, and Joshua as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his two brothers, Melvin, and Donald Martell.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, June 3, 2022, at 11:30a.m. in St. Mary Church of the Visitation, 218 Providence St., Putnam, CT.  Burial will follow in St. Mary Cemetery. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Gilman Funeral Home & Crematory, 104 Church St., Putnam, CT. In lieu of flower memorial donations in Paul’s memory may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Suite 22 W., Park Dr., Boston, MA 02215. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.