Michael Louis Martell

Michael Louis Martell, 72, passed away peacefully at his home Dec. 23, 2019, surrounded by his loving family and caregivers.

Born on Sept. 4, 1947, in Baileyville, Maine, he is the son of the late Louis and Phyllis (Moffitt) Martell.

Michael and his wife, Eleanor (Neale) were married in August of 1969 and just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with family and friends.

After his high school graduation in 1965 from Woodland High, Mike attended two years at Husson College. He then enlisted and served in the US Army for three years from 1968 to 1971. While serving in the military, Mike received the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Metal, and the Sharpshooter (Rifle) Award and had serviced honorably in Vietnam during 1970. After his military service, Mike worked for Georgia Pacific in Baileyville, ME until he and his family moved to Iron Mountain, Michigan, where he began working as a Control Room Operator in the boiler room for International Paper (formerly known as Champion Mill). Mike worked in the UP until he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He has been bravely fighting this disease for over 22 years until he succumbed to its many complications. Mike’s dream job after his retirement was to drive a big rig and for a few years he was actually able to do this part-time. He took loads to Texas, Fargo, New Jersey, and to Maine. He even had a few wonderful years riding his own Harley Davidson.

Mike was an active outdoorsman and loved boating, hunting, fishing, and trapping in Maine; he will be greatly missed by his old hunting buddies there.

Mike’s number one priority was his children and grandchildren. They brought so much joy to his life; he would move heaven and earth to be there for them whether it was sporting events, concerts, or outright chaos; his love was constant as they were his world.

Mike is survived by his wife, Eleanor; two sons, Michael Corey (Tammy) and Lucas Martell, all of Howard; five grandchildren, Draden, Sophia, Jacob, Adriana, and Matthew; brother, Gary (Sue) Martell of Princeton, ME; two brothers-in-law, Kenny (Marie) and Steve Neale of Maine; two sisters-in-law, Tina Barzyk of Maine and Cheryl Neale of Rhode Island; nephews, Jeff, Terry, Scott, Mark, Josh, Troy, Ryan, and Nathan; one niece, Patti; many great nephews and nieces; and his Aunt Harriet of Texas as well as some cousins.

No viewing or service will be held as his ashes will be taken to his hometown of Baileyville, ME, where graveside services will be held in Princeton, ME next spring. Malcore (West) Funeral Home and Crematory are handling cremation services.

A special thanks to Unity Hospice for all their care and help as well as to his amazing VA home care team. A very special thank you to his long-time caregiver and friend, Meghan Gunn.

In lieu of flowers, cards, or donations, please take time to pay it forward to family, a friend or even a stranger in need. Mike had a caring heart, so any act of kindness to others would make him very happy.