(262) 654-3533 Available 24 Hours a Day 5111-60th Street, Kenosha, WI 53144

Palmer Martino

1919 ∼ 2017

Palmer Martino
United States Veteran content_copy sms print
Palmer Francis Martino, 97, of Kenosha, WI, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017, at United Hospital System-Kenosha Medical Center Campus. Palmer was a cartoonist, oil painter, watercolorist, sign painter, commercial artist, and TV producer. He taught those skills to anybody who wanted to learn them and often became that person's cheerleader and tenacious promoter. Born in Kenosha on October 4, 1919, he was the son of the late Fiore and Leondina (Gentile) Martino. Except for a stint as a Merchant Marine radio operator on an oil tanker in 1944-1946, he was lifelong Kenosha resident. He attended Bain Elementary and Mary D. Bradford High School and studied art for three years at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. On April 24, 1948, he married Mary A. (Rizzo) Martino at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church where both were lifelong members. After jobs as a shoe salesman and shipping expeditor, he was a commercial artist at Johnson Wax for 20 years and retired in 1978. He taught art for 10 years at the Kenosha Gateway Technical College. Martino was a member of the Friends of the Museum, Italian American Society, Friends of Italian Culture, the Kenosha Art Association, and other groups. His volunteer work included painting signs and drawing cartoons and charcoal portraits. He also performed chalk talks in which he showed his love of teaching and having an audience. He'd tell stories and jokes as cartoon characters would spring to life from his charcoal on newsprint sketches. Surviving him are their four children, Linda (Wayne) Gerlach of Muskego, WI, Mark (Colleen Cullen) Martino of Seattle, WA, Michael (Phyllis) Martino of LaCrosse, WI, and James Martino of Madison; his five grandchildren, Beth Gerlach, Martin Gerlach, Tony Martino, Nicky Martino, and Louis Martino; and his great-grandchild, Jackson Gerlach Clay. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 22nd, at Proko Funeral Home from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church on Thursday, March 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. George Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Kenosha Art Association, Holy Rosary Church, or the Father Sullivan Scholarship fund at Holy Rosary.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Palmer’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com

Condolences

Ian and Barbara Taylor March 27, 2017
We were so sorry to hear of Palmer's passing when we visited Celebre today. It seems that we had the privilege of visiting with him the last day of his life. It was a pleasure to get to talk with him and learn of his life. Our reason for being there was to lead a Bible study. Because Ian is from Sydney, Palmer was quite interested to share of his time there during the War. They chatted for some minutes about the city. Then he also wanted to purchase Ian's autobiography, A Sharpened Arrow, which the activities director has been reading to the residents. But Palmer wanted his own copy. We were happy to have a copy available for him to buy that day. Shortly after our lovely conversation with Palmer was when he first collapsed. Ian prayed with him and he told us good-bye. So it was a great surprise when we heard of his passing later that day. Please accept our condolences and know that Palmer was a delight to visit with that day. It was a happy conversation.
Jim and Georgeann Metallo March 20, 2017
We would like to extend our sympathy to the Martino family. My family, the Pinzgers, lived on the Northgate and my two brothers went to school with Mark and Michael. Your parents were wonderful people and of course your dad was an exceptional artist and did a lot for Holy Rosary Parish. Our prayers are with you at this time.
Victor Gentile March 18, 2017
Palmer was such a wonderful presence in our lives growing up in Kenosha. His talent as an artist was magical to me growing up. He was a gifted raconteur and always had an interesting episode to share. He was always there for the extended family without having to ask. What a wonderful life he led and how fortunate we were to be recipients of his spiritual generosity. My love goes out to his family.