Papa,
You were the best Papa a kid could ask for. You always supported me and believed in me. When my Dad died you stepped up and acted as My Father too. Thank you for coming to my baseball games and supporting me. You were the best role model a kid could have. You loved your family so much and put everyone's needs before your own. It is still so hard to believe you are gone. I know you are in a better place and I will see you again someday. I miss you a lot! It gives me some peace knowing you are watching over all of us.
Love, Your Grandson Grayson

Papa,

I miss you s much. There are so many things that remind me of you. Some days it brings a smile to my face. Other days it makes me cry. Thank you for always being there for me. You weren't just my Papa you were like a Dad to me. You made every Holiday special. You cared about others more than yourself. Just yesterday I was thinking about the time we spent together a few years ago in St George. I remember I would wake up at 3 AM hearing the cookie jar. You would get up at 3 AM and eat Oreos. You usually ate all of them and then would go to the store and refill the cookie jar for me.i had so much fun spending time with you. You took me to tennis, we are icecream, and you called me funny nicknames. I will never forget what an amazing Grandfather you were! I think of you everyday and love you more than words can say!
Love your Grandaughter,
Amaiya ( Miza )

Just thinking of John brings a smile to our faces. We admired his great sense of humor, meticulous appearance and Italian Pride. He was both classy and classic. Yvonne often referred to him as 'the Italian stallion'.

John was a caring, giving and spiritual man. You could talk to him about anything knowing he would listen and give good advice. 

As neighbors, we laughed at the things our, then teenage daughters would do, commiserated over a job loss and became good friends with Marilyn and John.
As friends, we stayed in touch wherever we were and never got to spend enough time together.

We will always miss you John but will see you in Heaven one day, our good friend.

Yvonne & George

John, You are a classic you have no idea how much you are missed. The friendship we shared in St. George is one I will cherish forever. John always dressed to the nine even when he mowed his lawn in his Italian loafers and designer " TUFF NUT SHORTS " . John I love you like a brother God bless and I will see you soon for a ballgame and a good drink. We miss you !!!

John was like a second father to me in every regard. My memories of him are all of his sense of humor, Italian pride and his generosity.  One time I remember being on a trip to visit all of my realtives in Montana and was very excited to get to hang out with my two favorite cousins, Tammy and GIna.  I usually was able to stay at their house during these summer trips and one time I remember that Tammy had just gotten her drivers license and she and I went out on the town and she let me drtive her car. I was 14 and had no license but, in our teenage minds, we did not see that as a problem.  As I am driving her car down the street (and she is on the passenger side) we came to a 4 way stop sign and guess who was at the stop sign to our right. My dad and John! Talk about panic! I knew I was pretty much dead and I also knew Tammy was going to get in trouble.  Thankfully John must have had some real words of wisdom to calm my dad down because by the time the four of us got back to the house John had convinced my dad that "it was a good idea" for me to learn to drive at an earlier age than most kids do.  He winked at me as I was trying to "explain" to my dad why I was driving and I knew I had dodged a big bullet with his help. I loved Joihn for so many reasons. He always made me feel special and he always included me in everything when I was able to be with his family. I always felt like I was his third daughter and I loved him so much for that.  I will never forget him, his smile, his sense of humor and his extreme generosity. As the saying goes "They do not make them like that anymore!"

If you say the words John P Martello, you automatically smile because that was what John was best at...putting a smile on your face and making you laugh with his sayings, his jokes, his stories, his piercing eyes never leaving yours and his smile as he spoke to you.  We often find ourselves saying a John Quote "...just watching the paint dry in Helena or he couldn't take your dirty laundry to the laundromat."  If you could sum John up in one word it would be love.  Yes he was a patriarch and yes he was a man of pride and compassion and yes he was an example of ethics and morals; but, most of all, John was love.  He gave love and because he was so generous with his love, it came back to him.  His name and reputation came before the man.  You loved him when you met him and you loved him if he moved away and you loved him when you reconnected.  John alway gave in spirit, in kindness and love of God.  He led by example not lectures.  He was most critical of himself and yet forgiving of all others.  If you knew John you were lucky.  If John was your friend you were blessed.  If you were his family you were special.  We are all better for having John in our lives.  He will never be forgotten and he will always be loved.

Linda and Frank Donofrio

John,We had so much fun and laughs with you,and a few cocktails,over the years
you were one great guy,being italian was also a plus.Miss you.you are now at peace.you will be thought of every day in the lives of those who miss you.
Jerry and Shirlee

From Cousin James Patrick Barone  1 story and 2 memories to share:

1)I do not remember the first story I will tell, but it was a story told in our family many times over the years. I was about one and could walk, just not up and down stairs. There were a couple of steps down as you entered the house and John, who was 13, was supposed to be watching me and I tumbled down the stairs. My mother, Janie, was very upset and John, thinking he had killed me, ran away. He ran from my Grandpa McCormick's house, across the tracks to our Grandpa Barone's house, both in Dilworth, Minnesota. He hid in Grandpa Barone's outhouse. It took a lot of coaxing to convince him that I was okay and that living in an outhouse for the rest of his life was a bad idea. He finally came out and came back. My mother had prepared tomato soup with milk, which John hated, but he ate it all without a single complaint.

2)In June 1977 my brother, Thomas, 18 years old, was tragically killed in a car accident. Relatives gathered from around the country, including my Aunt Mildred, Uncle Pat, and cousin John from Montana. John arranged for the flight to Minnesota for himself and his parents. It was the first time my aunt and uncle had been on a plane. My Aunt Patty, my mother's sister, arrived from Florida and was distraught and nearly inconsolable. Even though John had never met Patty before, he took her under his wing and cared for her throughout the 3 days surrounding the funeral. John decided they needed to stay an extra day after the funeral, but he had a problem  his wardrobe. He had only packed clothes for three days, and could not fathom repeating what he would wear. He needed a new sport coat and pants for the fourth day and he knew I was just the person to take him shopping. We went into a men's clothing store, where the salesmen knew about Tom's death from the headlines in the newspaper and offered their condolences. The mood was heavy from the previous few days of funeral planning and worrying about others, especially my younger sister, Angelique, who was only 9 at the time. John, wanting to lighten the mood, started telling funny stories. The salesmen giggled, and I started to laugh. John built on my laughter, and I laughed more and more. He instinctively knew the time was perfect for release. I will never forget how grateful I was to have John to lean on during that difficult time.

3)I grew up in Moorhead, MN. Since my cousin John and I lived so far apart, we only saw each other every couple of years, but it was always special. It wasn't until my confirmation that we realized that his full name, including his confirmation name was John Patrick James Martello and mine was James Patrick John Barone. When I graduated from college and sent my graduation photo to John, I wrote the following on the back of the photo: To John Patrick James Martello, Every retailers dream, every bankers nightmare. From your cheapskate cousin, James Patrick John Barone.

John, My friend for so many years but when you moved away I really missed you. Enjoyed your jokes, your style and your talents as a sales person. You were also very dedicated to your family--your mother, wife and girls. Every time I hear OLD TIME ROCK and ROLL, I remember you singing it to me with passion.
I'll never forget my friend John, Rest in Peace.

From Auntie Janie - A memory to share. I first met John when I was on my honeymoon. His mother and my husband, Al Barone, were sister and brother, and we went from our home in Minnesota to visit Mildred and her family in Montana. It was just after John's 12th birthday. John was celebrating Halloween and I remember thinking he was so cute and so sweet. From the first, I knew we had a special bond. Every couple of years we would see each other at family gatherings. As he grew older, we began a special ritual at those gatherings. We would look at each other, and John would say, Okay Janie let's take a drive. We would take a drive, stop to have a drink, and an intense visit about what was going on in our lives. The last time I saw John was over 50 years from the day we met. We were in Seattle for his grandson's graduation. We were all in a restaurant waiting for our table and for John to join us. When John walked in he exclaimed for all to hear, And this is my Auntie Janie. She taught me everything I know! I will always treasure our special John and Janie times.

Papa,

I miss you everyday! Blessed to have you as a role model and best friend in my life. Rest in Peace. You have nothing to worry about anymore. We have it from here. Enjoy your beer, your steak, and your football game in Heaven. I will continue to think about you each day of my life. Love you so much!

John you will always be in my thoughts as a friend, father in-law and inspiration 
I learned so much from your friendship and feel saddened that you had to leave us too soon.
Love and miss you.

Dear Marilyn, Tammy, Gina and family, 
I'm so sorry to hear of John passing away. The photo gallery is a true testament to his devotion to all of you. I'm sure he will be greatly missed. Blessings to the all of you at this time of extreme sadness.

Dear Aunt Marilyn, Tammy, Gina, and Kids, I'm so sorry you have lost John, your dear husband and father who loved you all so much. We are praying for you and wishing you peace especially as Christmas approaches and into the coming new year.  Love, Kim, David, Leah Kellyn and Scott

Dear Marilyn and family,So sorry to hear about John. I just found out today from my brother Ed. It seems like only yesterday that you were dating and I was in your wedding. So happy I got to see you both at the class reunion and you were both the same kind, funny and caring people. I saw the photos of your beautiful family. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and 
your family.  John was a special person!

Sincerely,
Bonnie White

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing and so truly sorry for being so tardy in acknowledging this very sad news. Marilyn, Tammy, and Gina our hearts go out to you as well as our thoughts and prayers. Please know that so many people in Helena feel very saddened upon hearing about John.......as you are aware......He was so well known and so highly thought of in the community.

We had so many great times together, not only in Helena, but also during our time together in Seattle. How often have I enjoyed sharing with folks some of our fun times in the clothing store and in the insurance agency. John was truly "one of a kind" with a magnetic personality that drew people  admiringly to him.

Gretchen and I send our most sincere condolences to you all and we know what a great loss it is for you.

May the blessings of the good Lord be with you during this sad, sad time

Marty and Gretchen Heller

oh my, I am so sorry to hear this.  I just saw it. I wish words could heal the pain you are all in, but memories are great things!   What a wonderful man, full of love, and humor.   He will be missed greatly, my heart aches for all of the family.  I have not seen John in years but still remember is great smile and bold voice, and going to the Baskin Robins for ice cream.  Thoughts and Prayers for you all.  Hugs Marilyn, Tammy and Gina..

So true... John would give all had to anyone that needed it more than himself, and in John's case that was everyone.  He was very generous, I allways had a great respect for him!

We am so sorry for your loss.  John was such a great guy, and I loved it when he would come into the Elks, when I was managing it,   He put a smile on everyone's face.   I didn't know that you had moved away from St. George, or that he was sick.  Rich, and I always kept looking for him every time we went to the Outback.   We will miss his smiling face, and our great conversations.  He loved you so much Marilyn, and his girls,  and grandchildren.  You are in our thoughts and prayers.  Love, Deb, and Rich Quayle

I am so saddened by this news. My heart goes to you Marilyn and your family at this time of great heartache. I LOVED Johnny. He was a wonderful man and friend to me. He loved you all so much. He spoke of his family and how much he loved them all of the time. He will be missed Shauna Carlson
St. George, Utah

Marilyn I have always felt very privileged to know you and john. As he always told me, we are family and you and john have always gone the extra mile to make it so. Last I saw him, he said we needed to go do lunch sometime and I'm still holding him to it even if it is in the next life. Sincerely; tom laub

John always had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the world.

We are so sorry for you loss. John was a great man, he will be truly missed.

Dear Marilyn, Tammy, Gina and lovely grandchildren,

Please know that we hold each of you in our hearts at this most grievous time.

Many times, we spoke of how glad we were that we had the opportunity for a splendid visit last July with  John and you, Marilyn and Gina. And, it was so nice to meet you Amaiya.  

When we think of John, we think of a man who showed good taste in all aspects of his life.  Especially,we think of the special manner of which he lived life; that is, filling life with humor,song and reaching out to friends with a great show of interest in their lives.  He  did live life for love of family.
With fondness, we remember John whenever we hear Frank Sinatra's "NewYork,NewYork"that John made so famous and lasting in our memories.
With our thoughts and prayers,
Lemm Family, Bob, Marilyn, Michelle, Mike and Dave

Dear Marilyn, I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear husband. My love to you and your family.

My condolences to the family, John was always ok in my book.

Dennis L. House Helena, MT

Dear Gina,
I am so sorry I omitted your name when I wrote a message in your dad's guest book, on Nov 29th 
A dad's love is a special gift that will forever live in the hearts of his children.
Your dad will be truly missed by all who loved him & knew him. Our dad's depart, but never their love and the lessons they've taught us. Never their guidance, never their blessings, never the joy's they've brought us.
Though we try to prepare, we are never prepared enough, but there's a compassionate God in heaven who now has given your dad peace from the suffering cancer. May you feel His presence as you grieve the loss of your dear dad. Sending you my love, hugs & prayers Gina.
My deepest sympathy & understanding.
Love, Aunt Carlee

Please accept my prayers Marilyn for you and your Family. John was a good friend and 6th Warder of mine, he will be missed.

My Dad, My Hero, My Everything-
Saying Goodbye to you is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. You were always there for me and the boys offering security, stability and unconditional love. You picked me up every time I fell. You worried and cared so much about me and your entire family. Spending time with you was one of my most favorite passions. Your fought this cancer so hard but I know God felt it was your time to rest. Daddy- You will be with me everyday until we are together again. Amore!
Your daughter- Tammy

I deeply miss my husband, John, of 50 years of marriage. He was the love of my life that always blessed his family and many friends.  
John fought hard with his illness, never complained and did not want to leave us .. but God knew he was so tired and took him home to become our Heavenly Angel.  He will always protect and watch over us all.
Be now at PEACE my Johnny Angel! 
I will love you and miss you forever until we are together once again.

Dear Marilyn, Tammy, Alan, Anthony, Dominic, Grayson & Amaiya,
With deep sadness in our hearts we are so sorry about John's passing.
John had such a love of his family, faith, kindness & a giving heart.
 We know you all will miss John terribly; the loss is so great when we can no longer hug, laugh and share with someone who was husband, father, grandfather(Papa) teacher & friend.
May all that made John who he was forever leave blessings of memories in your hearts.
May your deep faith in God & life eternal bring you all healing & peace.
We love you!
Sister-in-law & brother-in-law
Carlee & Jordan Haynes

My Daddy, My Hero, My Everything-
Words can not express how much I miss you. You were always there for me and my boys. You gave us stability, security and loved us unconditionally. Dad, you worried about and took care of your family- When I fell you picked me up! You fought so hard to beat this nasty cancer but God knew it was your time to rest. You will live on and be with me every day until we meet again. 
Amore Daddy! Your daughter- Tammy

Sometimes we are lucky enough to cross paths with people who when you first meet you find yourself feeling like you have known them forever. Or feeling as as if you wish you had met them long ago because they are just someone that special. Even though i knew you a short time you have made a forever impact on my life .

Marilyn,

You and John have been so great to me in the short time I've known you both.  You adopted me as your own son and were always there to provide support or a helping hand when I needed you.  

It means a lot to me to have people close by that I can count on and think of as my family. I don't think I'll ever be able to describe how much I appreciate the love and support you've both given me.  I was honored and privileged to call John a close friend and will miss the laughs and stories we shared.

Marilyn and Family,
John and I shared some great adventures growing up in Helena.  He was a good friend.  You are in my thoughts and

Tammy, 
I was sorry to hear about your dads passing. He was a great man. When had many laughs when I was bartending at Haps in the 80s. he took good care of me. You and your family are in my prayers.

Bob Pennington ( Helena MT )

John was good man that I will always remember fondly. 
Thanks for all you gave, coach.

Papa,

I love you my entire heart. We love you with our entire hearts. I know you know this. I'm beyond grateful for you - you've taught me so much. Thank you for always showing up for us. Thank you for always caring for us more than yourself. You are cherished. You are in the arms of Love.

Dad,
It was rough today having Thanksgiving without you. We said a prayer for you at dinner. I know you had a grand feast in heaven.
We miss you dearly and love you so much. It gives us some comfort knowing you are now our Guardian Angel. xoxo

Your Daughter,
Gina

Few people could turn a phrase as well as John. I have many memories of John using this skill to bring humor to a bad situation or comfort to a sad one. When my brother tragically was killed in an airplane wreck years ago John quoted a poet who said "God gave us memory so that we might have roses in December." That one statement above all, helped me get through that terrible time. Thank you John.
To Marilyn and family please know how  much John and you meant to the Clavin family.  John you are a true rose in December, always to be remembered.

Marilyn,Tammy,Gina and family so sorry to hear of John passing. I grew up with John and have a lot of good memories. I am sorry I won't be able to make the services but please know that you are in my prayers. God bless.

OBITUARY

John Patrick Martello

October 7, 1943 – November 20, 2014

Bauer Funeral Chapel

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