Mary A. Martino, 90, of Kenosha passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at Washington Manor Nursing Home. Born in Kenosha on June 4, 1919, she was the daughter of the late Michael and Rosaria (Cerminaro) Rizzo. A lifelong resident of Kenosha, she attended local schools. On April 24, 1948, she married Palmer Martino at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church. A lifelong member of Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church and a former member of the Italian American Ladies Auxiliary, she did volunteer work and was very active with Holy Rosary’s Day Care for over 10 years. Surviving are her husband, Palmer and their four children, Linda (Wayne) Gerlach of Muskego, WI, Mark (Colleen) Martino of Seattle, WA, Michael (Phyllis) Martino of LaCrosse, WI, and James Martino of Madison; a brother, Peter (Edith) Rizzo of Kenosha; and her five grandchildren, Beth Gerlach, Martin Gerlach, Tony Martino, Nicky Martino and Louis Martino. She was preceded in death by seven brothers, Angelo, Louie, Dominick, Frank, Charles, John and Emmanuel. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 26th, from Proko Funeral Home at 12:00 noon. Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 12:30 p.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday at Proko Funeral Home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Memorials to the American Cancer Society would be appreciated by the family.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit Mary’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
MARILYNN STRANGBERG
June 25, 2009
My deepest sympathy to all of you. I will always remember you and Mary walking around the courtyard at the Petretti Apartments where I am your neighbor across the way.My husband's family were old neighbors of the Martino's.Mary will be truly missed. but I know she is safely in her heavenly home.Marilynn Strangberg
Stephen and Elizabeth Kotz
June 25, 2009
We are so sorry to hear about Mary's death. Both Elizabeth and I remember her as a sweet, cheerful and truly kind woman who opened her home to us graciously whenever we visited Kenosha (and in Stephen's case, all the way back to my days in high school with Jim.)She will be missed. We send our love to your family.Stephen and Elizabeth Kotz
Carla Gentile
June 25, 2009
I am so grateful to have had such a sweet aunt. She was always so cheerful. Aunt Mary will remain in my thoughts and my heart. I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Mary, Uncle Palmer and the Martino family, so many it feels like more than one lifetime. All my love, Carla
Sabrina Gentile
June 24, 2009
Uncle Palmer, Linda, Mark, Mike and Jaime, you know Aunt Mary has a very special place in my family's hearts! We are all sending good thoughts. I remember Aunt Mary taking great care of me before I started kindergarten. It was so fun to be at Aunt Mary's and eating the best PB&J sandwiches ever and drinking a very tall glass of chocolate milk. Peace to Aunty Mary! Love, Sam and Dom
Martin Edwin \Mick\" Andersen"
June 24, 2009
One of my favorite people in the whole world is Mike Martino, and his being in my life for most of it was thanks to his parents, Palmer and Mary. I have many memories of Mrs. Martino, a good, warm and gentle family person, and someone who helped make the Northside what it was for those of us who grew up there. Basia, Carla, Kelly and I offer our most heartfelt condolences to all the Martino family on your loss.
Michael A. De Fazio
June 24, 2009
Dear Palmer, Linda and family, Our deepest condolences are with your whole family. Palmer, you have done so much for Mary being at her side and attending to her as best you could. It is very difficult to see a loved one suffer. Letting go and letting God is all we can do. Our prayers are with all of you during and after the service's wasn't sure that either Terri or I can make the wake because of my working late and that is why I choose to send this on-line The picture that was in the paper resembles how much Linda and Mary look alike. Palmer, we will miss seeing you bring Mary to church. Take care and may God always be with you each and every step of the way.Sincerely,Mike and Terri De Fazio
Michael Serpe
June 24, 2009
Dear Martino Family,My deepest condolences to you on the loss of "Mrs. Martino". She was a wonderful woman and we we're fortunate to have had her in our lives.Mike
Dennis & Cathie Anderson
June 24, 2009
Dear Linda, Wayne & Family:Our deepest condolences on the loss of your Mom. Our prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Love, Dennis & Cathie Anderson
Terry Loendorf
June 24, 2009
Mike's mom, that all we ever called her, was one of a kind. I remember growing up in the neighborhood and no matter when we went to Mike's house she always wanted to give me to eat something. I fondly remember those days and wish I could be there to celebrate her life. For that's what we are doing now.She was always taking about one of the kids they were kids even when they became adult's. I learned more about Mike's brother's and sister than they will ever know from her. I wish each of the family well, I know all of your friends and relatives will be there to be with you. Thank you Mike's mom for being there!
Victor Gentile
June 23, 2009
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of dear Mary. We will always remember her for her gentleness and sweet demeanor.