David Robert Martell

David was born to James and Judith (Fredericks) Martell on December 10, 1959 in Akron, Ohio. He spent his childhood years in Akron, Ohio, Jackson, Michigan, and Union City, Tennessee. David graduated from Michigan State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1982. While a student at MSU, David met his beloved wife, Brigit, and they were married on December 18, 1982. He began his career at Maner Costerisan and obtained his CPA license. His work in education started in 1985 at Michigan State University in the Controller’s Office. In 1994, David entered the public school business profession as the Director of Finance for Haslett Public Schools.

David’s passion for education led him to become a member of Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) in 1994, an organization he would later lead. His path to the Executive Director position followed service as the President of Central Michigan School Business Official regional group, and Chairperson of the MSBO School Financial Services Committee. David was elected to the Board of Directors of MSBO in 2002.

In 2004, David was hired as the Associate Executive Director of MSBO where he supported the business and finance members of the organization. After five years in that position, David was named the Executive Director of the organization in January 2009, where he remained as leader until June 2023.

As Executive Director, David had active involvement in many state and national initiatives. His experience in leadership as an Eagle Scout prepared him well for these roles. At the national level, David regularly participated with the Association of School Business Officials International and chaired the Affiliate Executive Director Group. David’s attention to detail, responsible communication style, and ability to lead diverse groups provided for great success. He was often called on to add value to decisions of the organization.

Locally, David belonged to many committees and boards. Those include the Michigan Liquid Asset Fund Plus Board of Directors, SET SEG Property/Casualty Board of Directors, Education Alliance, School Management Lobby, Michigan School Energy Consortium, Michigan Department of Education 1022 Committee, Michigan Department of Education Audit Referent Group, and many more. He also served as a member of the Board of Education for Haslett Public Schools.

In 2022, David was honored as the Michigan Association Executive of the Year, an award that recognizes excellence in association management.

David retired from MSBO after 19 years with the organization and continued to support MSBO through sponsorship and providing professional development to the membership. After retirement, he became a consultant for Daybright and a part-time business manager for St. Martha Parish and School. He also joined the Peckham Foundation Board of Directors. He mentored many school business officials throughout his career. It was his way of giving back to the organization that meant so much to him. For those that worked with David directly, his leadership, friendship, and constant drive for perfection will be missed. He is an excellent example of “doing it right.”

David’s attitude of humble service and leadership that he brought to the workforce was also reflected in his family life. He was a devout Catholic who loved the Lord, and passed that love and devotion to his four children and eight grandchildren. David demonstrated how to love thy neighbor through his generosity, hard work, and quiet acts of service.

David was a die-hard Spartan fan and long-time season ticket holder to MSU football and basketball, and supported the women’s golf team. David had a passion for the game of golf and enjoyed being on the course with family and friends. His children have fond memories of their dad taking them to Cedar Point every summer. He enjoyed spending quality time with family, especially playing Euchre, May I, and Liverpool Rum. He started a family tradition of vacationing to Sunset Beach, North Carolina, which quickly became the highlight of his year, especially with the addition of grandchildren. His beach set up will be thoroughly missed!

David is survived by his wife of nearly 43 years, Brigit (Kennedy); his children, Amanda (Stephen) Mancewicz, Claire (Patrick) Kondziola, Brian (Shannon), and Mary Kate; grandchildren, Moira, Kate, Jack and Michael Mancewicz, Mary Claire Kondziola, and Connor, Natalee, and Mac Martell; siblings, Marie (Tony) Isbell, Rev. Jim Martell, Teresa (Scott) Pickens, Cindy Gansmiller, and Michael Martell; and many nieces and nephews.

David was preceded in death by his parents, James and Judith (Fredericks) Martell.

The family would like to thank those who took care of David over the past month, especially Dr. Tony Brandau; the infusion nurse, Jenna; and Hospice nurse, Karen, who treated David with compassion, kindness, and love.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes East Chapel, 1730 E Grand River Ave., East Lansing, MI 48823. The rosary will be prayed at 7:00 PM, followed by a sharing of memories at 7:30 PM. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with a one-hour prior visitation from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, at St. Martha Parish, 1100 W Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI, Father Ryan Riley presiding. Following Mass, the family invites you to join them for a luncheon at the church. Following the luncheon, David will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, 2520 W Willow St., Lansing, MI 48917.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Martha Parish & School, 1100 W Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI 48864, https://www.st-martha.org/giving