Bruce Joseph Martel, 76 of Pownal, VT died on Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany, NY. He was born in North Adams, MA on November 16, 1942 a son of the late Ralph William and Dorothy Evelyn (Wiles) Martel. He attended Williamstown schools, where he went to the Buxton School, and then graduated from Williamstown High School with the class of 1961.
Bruce was a decorated veteran of the United States Navy during the Vietnam Era, where he served as an aviation boatswain’s. In his younger years, he worked for a short time at the Hamilton Standard in Connecticut, before moving back to Pownal, VT. He went on to work as a tractor trailer driver for Fairbank’s Express for 30 years. Upon his retirement, Bruce established Martel Lawn Service, which he continued to operate until the spring of 2018.
Bruce was very active in his community. He served as a Former Selectman of Pownal, VT; the Vice Commander American Legion Pownal Post 90; a former member of the Pownal Center Fire Department from 1968-1982; the recipient of the VT State Fire Fighters Rescue/Ambulance Person of the year award in 1991; an Honorary Associate Member of the Pownal Rescue Squad for 37 years; he was the President and Training Officer involved in teaching and assisting with First Aid and CPR classes; he was instrumental in starting a sinking fund for the Rescue Squad’s new building; served as the Former Pownal Little League Coach; was a master mason for 44 years at the Williams Lodge in Williamstown; and was the 1994 Governor’s Certificate of Merit for Outstanding Community Services.
Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Caroline (George) Martel, whom he married on October 5, 1963 at the Second Congregational Church. He also leaves his daughter Suzette Martel Lyons and her husband, Scott of Pownal, VT; sons Nathan B. Martel and Diane Tovani; and Matthew J. Martel; grandchildren Colton; Nikita; and Madison; brothers Ralph Martel Jr. and his wife Huguette; and Keith F. Martel and his wife, Kelly; sister Kathleen LaCosse; as well as nieces and nephews.
FUNERAL NOTICE: A funeral service to celebrate the life of Bruce Martel will be held on Friday, November 23, 2018 at 11:00am at the Second Congregational Church, 81 Hancock Rd., Williamstown, MA 01267. Calling hours will be held at the church from 10:00am until the time of the service. Burial with full military honors will follow in Eastlawn Cemetery. Donations in his memory can be made to the Pownal Rescue Squad Ambulance Fund or the American Legion Pownal Post 90 in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals CENTRAL CHAPEL, 74 Marshall St. North Adams, MA 01247. To add to the Book of Memories, please visit www.flynndagnolifuneralhomes.com
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