Gerald Martello 1937 - 2014

Gerald Anthony Martello was surrounded by his children and loving wife, 
Bernice, when his battle with cancer ended.  On September 27, 2014, he 
departed this Earth for an abundant life in Heaven and today, he is 
whole, celebrating with his Heavenly Father.  Gerald was born on March 
22, 1937 to Tony and Ernestine Martello.  He was born in Hattiesburg, MS 
and then resided in Natchez, MS until making his home in Baker, 
Florida.  The Baker community enriched his life as he developed many 
friends and loved ones since 1964.  He had been married to the love of 
his life, Bernice, for the past 53 years and together they have a 
beautiful family.  He and Bernice have been members of Our Lady of 
Victory Catholic Church in Crestview for over 50 years.  Gerald was a 
charter member of the local council of the Knights of Columbus, a Fourth 
Degree Knight, and brother to many other Knights.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Tony and Ernestine 
Martello; his brother, Robert Martello and his son, Vincent Anthony 
Martello.  He is survived by his wife Bernice Martello; son, Chris 
Martello of Baker; daughter, Tena Battistelli and husband, Frank of 
Cibolo, TX; and son, Michael Martello and wife Lee of Crestview; and 
daughter-in-laws, Teressa and Darla Martello. He deeply loved his eight 
grandchildren: Katrina Figger, and husband Matt of Columbia, South 
Carolina; Mia, Rice and Madison Martello; Vince, and wife Jacqueline, 
Kala and Angelo Battistelli; and Carson Martello.  He also adored his 
great grandson, Vincent Anthony Martello, II and was anticipating the 
arrival of his first great granddaughter, Baby JennaLeigh 
Battistelli.  Gerald shared a deep love for his sister-in-law, Donna 
Martello and daughters, Melinda and Robyn of Natchez, Mississippi, as 
well, as the numerous Mississippi cousins, nieces, and nephews.  Family 
and faith meant everything to Gerald. Gerald attended high school at 
Cathedral High in Natchez, Mississippi where he developed his passion 
for the game of basketball.  He continued at Copiah-Lincoln Community 
College, where he will be inducted into the Hall of Fame by the Co-Pi 
Alumni Association on October 11, 2014.  His love of basketball 
continued and was shared between his children, along with numerous Baker 
and local youth.  Many young men still refer to Coach Martello as one 
who gave guidance and motivation to the future leaders of the Baker 
community.  Gerald devoted his life to children through a career as an 
educator for over 30 years. The family will be accepting visitors at 
Whitehurst-Powell Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 1 for the Holy 
Rosary at 5:00 p.m. and visitation at 5:30 p.m.  Funeral Mass will be 
celebrated on Thursday, October 2 at 4:00 p.m. at Our Lady of Victory 
Catholic Church.  Interment will follow at Aubrey Jordan Memorial 
Cemetery in Baker.  Bernice and family invite all former basketball 
players of Coach Martello to be Honorary Pallbearers. In lieu of 
flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic Care 
Center. Arrangements are entrusted to Whitehurst Powell Funeral Home in 
Crestview.  Guest book and condolences are available online at 
www.whitehurstpowellfuneralhome.com