Nicola Martinelli

Nicola Martinelli passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on December 3, 2016. Nick was born September 25, 1939 in Lettopalena, Italy. He immigrated to the United States in 1955 at the age of 14 and lived in Turtle Creek, Pennsylvania.

After high school, Nick joined the Air Force and was stationed at Thule Air Force Base in Greenland and finished his enlistment at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland. Before being honorably discharged from the Air Force, Nick met the love of his life, Barbara Brueckner. They married in 1964 and started their life together in Maryland. After his military service, Nick worked as a master welder and plumber. In 1968, Nick founded a successful mechanical contracting company, M & S Mechanical Corporation.

Nick Martinelli cherished his Italian heritage. He was known for his backyard garden. He was the master of growing heirloom tomatoes, varieties of peppers and Italian herbs. What Nick grew would be used to make his famous tomato sauce. This sauce would be the foundation to create spaghetti, ravioli, gnoochi, and stuffed shells using recipes taught by his mother Fiorentina Falcacchio.  Nick took great pride in making his own wine which was based on the process taught to him by his father, Giustino Martinelli. Nick loved his fig trees, bowling a perfect 300, golfing with his brothers, and spending time with his family.

Nick is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Barbara Martinelli of Fort Washington, Maryland; daughters Melanie Lyon (Kristofer) of Sheridan, Indiana, Lisa Owen (Alexander) of Frederick, Maryland; ten grandchildren, Nikolas, Benjamin, Nathaniel, Samuel, Joseph and Danielle Lyon, Connor, Tanner, Hunter and Walker Owen; brothers Antonio and Giovanni (Sylvia) Martinelli of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and many nephews, nieces, great nephews and great nieces.

Nicola Martinelli lived the American dream. Nothing was given, everything was earned. Nick was respected and trusted by everyone, a man of his word, and known for his character. He will always be loved and remembered by his family and friends.

Visitation will begin at 10 a..m. on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at St. Timothy's Catholic Church, 8651 Biggs Ford Road, Walkersville, MD with a Mass of Christian Burial to begin at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Gardens, Frederick, MD. Arrangements by Stauffer Funeral Home, Walkersville.