Following a brief illness, Frank (Frankie) Martello, 74, passed away on October 7, 2019 at St. Peter’s Hospital.
Frank was born to Louis and Antonetta (D’Angelo) Martello on December 16, 1944, joining siblings Rose, Nell and Ken.
The family lived in Elliston, Montana until Frank was 11 years old, at which time they moved to the 6th Ward in Helena. Frank attended Bryant School, Helena Junior High and graduated from Helena High School in 1963.
During high school, Frank played basketball for Helena High and was an outstanding pitcher for four years on the Helena American Legion baseball team. He even had an offer after high school to play professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates, which he chose not to pursue.
Frank enlisted in the U. S. Army Reserve in 1965 and served with the 396th Hospital Unit as an X-Ray Technician. He began his career as a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service on March 21, 1967. Frank spent the majority of his 40 year career delivering mail on a walking route on Helena’s upper west side in the mansion district. He loved being a mail carrier and was the epitome of dependability and exceptional service.
Frank was a man of great humility, integrity and unparalleled kindness, who always had a ready smile and helping hand. He was a loving son, a beloved brother and the best uncle anyone could hope for. Family was the most important thing in Frank’s life, although anyone who knew Frank understood that sports and cars ranked high on his list of favorite things.
Frank coached the Helena Reps baseball team for four years and was the assistant coach for the Helena Senators for three years. He played softball for over 30 years with the Village Inn and Coke/Bud teams. In addition to being an outstanding athlete, Frank was the ultimate sports fan. He enjoyed watching sports of all kinds, especially when the New York Yankees played and when any of the Carroll College athletic teams played, no matter what sport. One of his fondest memories was going to Tennessee in 2004 and watching Carroll College win their third national title in football. Frank was also an avid fan of all the sports his nephew, great-nephews and great-great-nieces and nephews participated in.
Frank loved cars and trucks. “Going for a little ride” was part of his daily routine. He proudly restored a 1929 Model A pickup truck and a 1939 Chevy sedan.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Antonetta Martello, infant brother Dominic, sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Frank Ranalli, niece Virginia (Ginny) Bayne and brother-in-law, Frank Ravnik. Surviving relatives are: sister Nell Ravnik, brother Ken Martello, nephew Nick (Martha) Ranalli and niece Marjorie (Maggie) Martello, great-nephews Jeff Kovick, Jason (Aiysha) Bayne, Ryan (Jamie) Ranalli and Randy (Heather) Ranalli and great-niece McKenzie Kovick (Ben). He is also survived by13 great-great-nieces and nephews and numerous cousins.
Frank had a positive impact on all who knew him. Family and friends alike will miss him deeply.
Viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m. with a funeral service to be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 14th at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Gardens Cemetery. A reception will follow the burial at Jorgenson’s, 1714 11th Ave in Helena. Memorials may be made to the Carroll College Athletic Department, 1601 N. Benton, Helena, MT 59625 or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday October 14, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 14, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the service
Monday October 14, 2019
Sunset Memorial Gardens
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Monday October 14, 2019
Jorgenson's
1714 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Service Schedule
Viewing
9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Monday October 14, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday October 14, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Burial
Following the service
Monday October 14, 2019
Sunset Memorial Gardens
Helena, Montana
Reception
Following the burial
Monday October 14, 2019
Jorgenson's
1714 11th Ave
Helena, Montana 59601
Share
Greg Paull says
Ken and family, so sorry for your loss. There are a very select few people who have had a direct influence on my life, Frankie as I called him, was one. Frankie was a sincere, decent and nice man. I never heard one ill word muttered by him in all the years I knew him. Frankie made me a better man by just knowing and being around him. It is with a heavy heart that we must say goodbye to such a good person. May time heal our hearts but make our memories of Frankie be ever more present!
Terry Harris says
I have knowing Frank for more years than I can count. From grade school to high school and then he was our mail man for several years. He was the kindest and most honest person that I have known. I will miss seeing him at the Carroll College football and basketball games. Rest in peace my friend.
Thomas Juhl says
R.I.P. Frank…… I’ve known Frank since Bryant School days. Frank was from a true 6th Ward Family…….
Jeff and Melissa Sherlock says
We called Frank “The world’s Best Mailman”, and he was. We set our clock by the timing of his delivery. He was always kind and thoughtful. Once he and our daughter had a small auto collision, and he came by later in the night to make sure she was all right. Hard to believe he is gone, peace to his family.
wayne kovick says
KEN AND FAMILY.
KEN AND FAMILY, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. FRANK WAS A GENUINE GOOD PERSON. FRANK ALWAYS HAD A KIND WORD AND A SMILE ON HIS FACE. RIP FRANK,YOU ARE GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
Jerry Smith says
Growing up in the 6th Ward, Frank was one of the older guys I looked up to because he was a friendly kind person, who always had time to chat with a younger kid. Later, playing softball together with CokeBud, we became friends and I admired Frank even more, because he was a genuine modestly good person. I always enjoyed seeing Frank at sporting events and having a chance to again chat with him. And my parents would have agreed, Frank was the Best Mailman ever! He will be missed.
Michael Van Diest says
Coach Martello was an amazing man and had a real impact in my life. He was my baseball coach in the summer of 1968. I played on the 1st Legion Reps team that summer. I loved baseball and Coach Martello was an outstanding coach and he taught me so much. He believed in me and our friendship went beyond that summer. Coming back to Helena to Coach at Carroll College was awesome because I saw Coach at all of our games and other sporting events. He always had time to visit with me and I will miss him. He was one of the most positive people that I ever knew.
John Armstrong says
Frank Martello = One of the GOOD ONES! R.I.P., Frank.
Patty Dahl says
Ken and the entire Martello Family…our loving thoughts are with all of you. Patty and Don Dahl
Ryan Martello says
I am grateful that when I was young Frank, along with Ken, would travel miles and miles to watch me play the sport of the season. Frank brought his genuine smile as he was always in his element at the ballpark/field/gym. Win or lose, he had a congratulatory pat on the back and words of encouragement to offer. He enjoyed sports as much as anyone and his kindness will be remembered.
Jim Wilcox says
Frank was a great man and a good friend. I have known him For many years. School, Legion ball as well as park of
growing up in the 6th ward. A very kind and soft spoken man.. RIP Frank.
john ilgenfritz says
My condolences to Ken, Frank’s other family members and all those whose lives were blessed by his presence. Sheena and I benefitted from Frank’s service as one of our two long time mailmen.
He always had a smile on his face and a chuckle to share. Like the saying goes, he always delivered regardless of the weather. We will miss him.
Sincerely,
John & Sheena
Diane Pedersen says
To Frank’s family
I was so sorry to learn that Frank passed away. I have know him for many years meeting him when he and my late husband worked together at the Post Office. What a wonderful person he was. He will be missed by so many people. May he rest in peace and may God help your family heal from the sadness his passing has caused.
With deepest sympathy
Diane Pedersen
John & Cherie Dahl says
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Ken and the rest of the family. I enjoyed sharing a seat with Frank and Ken at several basketball and football games over the years. We were friends since our high school years. 🙏👍👋
Mike Sinnott says
Frank was as close to what I consider the perfect man. Never hateful, always caring and humble even though he had amazing athletic abilities! I worked with Frank for most of my 40 year Postal career. We affectionately nicknamed him Luigi. I strive to be the kind of man that Frankie was. Rest in peace dear friend.
Kori R. Dee says
Where to begin to describe how well Frank took care of his postal route customers? We moved from Chicago to Helena onto Frank’s route. He welcomed us to Helena, MT. Frank took care to know about each of the families on his route, careful with packages and deliveries, always a smile and helpful attitude. In seeing Frank at the grocery store, Carroll College sporting events, around town he always greeted you with a smile and a friendly hello. As was said in an earlier post “…one of the good guys!…” Prayers to all family and friends who mourn Frank’s passing and presence. Remember, he will keep his faithful watch over you from heaven.
Mary Kay Bennett says
The “worlds greatest mailman” put up with my schnauzer chasing after him almost daily..I would say, “I’m so sorry, Frank,” he would say, “oh, that’s ok, I like him.”
I moved in 1995 to a different route & missed him . My friends & I all had a crush on that good looking Italian guy.
Hope you’re watching sports in heaven, Frank!!
Linda O‘Connell says
Frank was a daily staple at the O’Connell household delivering the mail and being my parents good friend for most of my life. He was such a kind person and my mother was always trying to figure a way to make him a real family member! Helena lost a beautiful man! Our condolences and prayers to the family.
Les & Terye Loble says
Frank was a wonderful part of our daily lives. Besides being as reliable as the sun in the morning, he was a genial, friendly, and thoughtful man. After we moved from Helena he made sure that mail which needed forwarding was forwarded–even though a year had passed. Our condolences, love, prayers and sympathy go to his family.
Sean K. Wines says
My condolences to family and friends. As a young 6th Ward Rat, my brother Jake, who also played for Coke/Bud softball would take me to the games and that is where I first met Frankie. He was such a humble and a very kind fellow. My thoughts and prayers go out to the family. R.I.P. Frankie. Thank you for your kindness to a young kid from the neighborhood.
The Harmon family says
Without fail, six days a week, Frank paid a visit to our family, always with a smile. Yes, it was part of his job—he really was the best mailman ever—but he made it a genuine visit between friends. We talked baseball (I had been a pitcher, too, scouted by the Orioles) and local sports, and he’d ask about our sons and the dogs by name. Our whole neighborhood felt the loss when he retired…we all missed our daily dose of Frank’s easy smile, calm optimism, and natural sense of caring for every person on his route. In his understated way, he made a real difference in our lives and created a ripple effect that continues even now because those he touched strive to live up to Frank’s daily example. Our sympathies to his family and many friends. He is missed but never forgotten.
Peter James Hamper says
Frank was indeed a special person. A real gentleman. I served in 396 army reserve with Frank. Also had fun playing basketball with Frank. He was always money. A person had to play with him or for him to see his competitive nature. He didn’t wear it on his sleeve. Rest in peace my friend.
Sharlene Emineth Skinner says
Ken and Family, We were neighbors many years ago, Frank and I were in same HHS class….deepest sympathy for your loss.
Marty Mouat says
Ken and family, very sorry for your loss. Frank was a wonderful person and a great athlete. His hands were amazing on the softball diamond. He will be missed by many.
Larry and Lisa Murphy says
So sorry to hear of Frank’s passing. He was a kind man and fierce competitor. Our condolences to his family.
Ralph Beer says
My wife and I really enjoyed getting to know Frank when he delivered mail on his West Side route in 2000. He was a “Big kid,” when I attended Bryant school a couple years behind him, and I’m proud to share the honorific of being a fellow Sixth Ward Rat with Frank and the Martello family.
Ryan Ranalli says
Uncle Frank I miss you
Pat Kelly says
Nephew Nick and Martha and I were students at Carroll in the early 70s. The Ranalli families and Martello brothers were
so kind to me I have never forgotten those times. Frank was a true gentleman each time our paths crossed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to each of you.
Ryan Ranalli says
Thinking about you daily Uncle Frank. Miss you so much.
Ryan Ranalli says
Missing you so much right now Uncle Frank.
Ryan Ranalli says
Thinking about you a lot lately. The Yankees look pretty good this year. Miss you a lot. Love you.
Ryan Ranalli says
Hey Uncle Frank thinking about you. The kids are doing great. There’s travel basketball, travel volleyball, jiu-jitsu, golf. We all miss you and love you so much. We talk about you all the time. Keep an eye out for us. I love you so much