Larry Wayne Martinelli's Obituary
Larry Wayne (Martin) Martinelli (North Muskegon, MI) bravely fought pancreatic cancer for 18 months before it got the best of him on 12/28/14. He was the 64 year old son of: Frank Martin & Delores Gillette Martin (Grand Rapids, MI), husband of: Jean McMahon Martinelli (North Muskegon, MI), Father of: Lisa Katherine Martinelli age 17 & Jacob Star Martin age 33, Brother of: Mike Martinelli & Jane (Palmer, Alaska), Debra Martin Gretzinger & Rick (Grand Rapids, MI), Scott Martinelli & Sherry (Middleville, MI) and Cheri Martin (deceased), Nephew of: Marve Gillette & Noralyn, (Grand Rapids, MI) Pauline Gillette Swartout (Muskegon, MI) & Maxine Gillette Hatch (Muskegon, MI), Jim Martin & Evelyn ( St. Joseph, MI) Uncle of: Matthew & Rachel Martinelli (Grand Rapids, MI), Tracy Schneider & Aaron (Grant, MI) and several other nieces, nephews and cousins.
Larry was born in Muskegon (1950) & died in Muskegon, MI (2014). In 1955 he moved to Beulah, MI. Then in 1959 Larry came down state to live in Grand Rapids, MI until 1988 when he and his wife, Jean, moved to Ann Arbor, MI. They moved back home to Muskegon in 2000.
Larry’s Achievements: An active environmentalist and member of MI Conservation, Environmental Defense & The Sierra club’s; he loved winter camping, native plants, photography, world travel, gourmet cooking, bird watching, and cross- country bicycling. Working as a seasonal Park Ranger at Muskegon State Park, Larry developed hiking trails and maintained the Lake MI Shoreline.
During Larry’s career as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer, Larry served in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Customs and Department of Homeland Security (TSA). Larry graduated from the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center with an award for Expert Marksmanship. He was the best shot in his class of 360 federal Law Enforcement Officers.
Larry was a 1969 graduate of Union High, 1981 graduate of Grand Rapids Junior College & 1986 graduate of Aquinas College.
In 1978 Larry Martin & Kim Evanzo rode their bicycles from MI to WA State.
In 1981 Larry Martin & Wendy Jingles gave birth to a son, Jacob Star Martin.
In 1984 Larry Martin married Jean McMahon and legally took his grandfather’s name, Martinelli.
In 1998 Lisa, Jean & Larry Martinelli became a family through adoption on Mother’s Day.
In 1999-2003 Larry suspended his career for 4 years to put his daughter’s needs first, as a full time Dad.
In 2009 TSA Officer Martinelli worked alongside the Secret Service for President Obama’s Inauguration.
In 2014 Larry Martinelli Converted to the Catholic faith and was confirmed at Prince of Peace on Easter.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Creekside Garden & Gift Center 4015 Fruit Ridge Ave. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49544 for Larry’s Memorial Garden.
VISITATION will be held on Friday 1/16/15 from 5-9:00 PM at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral Homes, Inc., 6291 S. Harvey St, Norton Shores, MI, 49444, 231-798-1100, where a Prayer Service will be held at 7:00PM. A MEMORIAL MASS will be held at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in N. Muskegon, MI on Saturday 1/17/15 at 11:00 AM.
A Memorial Cruise on Lake Michigan, aboard the Port City Princess, remembering Larry will be held Saturday, May 23, 2015, 10:30AM – 12Noon.
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