Gino Martinelli

Gino J. Martinelli, 92, of New Philadelphia, died Sunday, April 30, 2017 at his home following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Attilio and Ida (Baggia) Martinelli, Gino was born July 7, 1924 at Roswell, Ohio.

Gino graduated from Midvale High School in 1941.  Following graduation, he enlisted with the United States Navy and served during World War II.

He then continued his education at Kent State University where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1949 and then earned a Master’s degree in Education at The Ohio State University in 1953.

He served as a school teacher at the former Uhrichsville High School as well as Claymont High School from 1949 to 1979.  Following his retirement from teaching, Gino worked as the Chief Ranger for the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District for 13 years.  Gino also served as the Mayor of Roswell for 17 years and as a bus driver for the Indian Valley School District.

Gino was an avid outdoorsman who especially enjoyed fishing, hunting and gardening.  He also raised beagles and won a National Field Championship with his dog, Wally.  Gino had a love for baseball and he was a member of the Roswell Class “A” Baseball team well into his mid 40’s and was later inducted into the Cy Young Baseball Hall of Fame.  Gino enjoyed pitching horseshoes and was a lifelong fan of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the New York Yankees.

He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Carmie (Ruggeri) Martinelli whom he married on June 3, 1950 in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at Dennison; nine sons, Rich (Mary) of Belmont, Massachusetts, Mike (Jodie) of Perrysburg, Ohio, Bob (Kathy) of New Philadelphia, Steve (Jane) of Dover, Mark (Vi) of Sharpsburg, Georgia, Gary (Bridget) of New Philadelphia, Tom (Kelly) of North Canton, Paul (Holly Waldenmyer) of New Philadelphia and Vinny (Ruthann) Martinelli of Tuscarawas; a daughter, Gina (Alan) Mielcuszny of Ballwin, Missouri; 18 grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Gino was preceded in death by his parents; one sister; three brothers and two grandchildren.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2017 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia with the Rosary service being held at 7:45 p.m.  A Mass of Christian Burial celebrated by Father Jeff Coning will be held on Thursday, May 4, 2017 at 10 a.m. in Sacred Heart Catholic Church at New Philadelphia.  Burial with military honors will follow in St. Elizabeth Cemetery at Roswell.  A luncheon will be held in Tuscarawas Central Catholic High School following the committal service.

Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Gino by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.

Contributions may be made in Gino’s memory to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, OH 44663.