Gerald 'Jerry' Richard Martello, 83

Gerald “Jerry” Richard Martello, 83, of Ponderay, Idaho, passed away April 17, 2023, at Bonner General Health in Sandpoint, Idaho.

Gerald was born on Nov. 8, 1939, in Wallace, Idaho, a son of the late Guy and Fran Martello. Gerald lived in the Silver Valley, Idaho, for many years prior to moving to Sandpoint with his wife, Bernice Martello. Bernice passed away in October 2019.

While Gerald lived in the Silver Valley, he worked for The Bunker Hill Company in the Phos Plant, which was very dear to his heart. After moving to Sandpoint, he opened his own lighting company which he worked until his retirement.

Gerald was a member of the Sandpoint Lions Club and held the position of president for several years. He loved helping the community in so many ways through the club. Another favorite past time was to cruise around in his 1969 Ford Galaxy with the top down. Gerald also loved spending time with his pets. He was a huge animal lover. Most of all his favorite pastime was spending time with family. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed a lot of time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gerald is survived by his two sons, Jerry “Jay” (Shelly) Martello and Tim Martello; grandchildren, Jamee and Michael Feuling, Chandler and Ashley Martello, Kacie and Jimmy LaMastus, Chad and Courtney Martello, Bryce Martello and 10 great-grandchildren. Gerald is also survived with numerous relatives in the Idaho and Montana region including two cousins, Bob Martello and Ken Martello with whom he had a special bond.

A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held May 6, 2023, at noon at Shoshone Funeral Services, 106 S. Main St., Kellogg, Idaho. Donations in Gerald’s honor may be made to either the Sandpoint Lions Club, 609 Ella Ave., Sandpoint, ID 83864, or to Better Together Animal Alliance, 870 Kootenai Cutoff Road, Ponderay, ID 83852.

Memories of Gerald and messages of condolence may be shared with his family online at www.shoshonefuneralservice.com. Shoshone Funeral Services, Kellogg is assisting the Martello family with arrangements.