In Memoriam: Carmen Martella

Carmen Martella, founder of Martella Electric Company, passed away at age 93 on Feb. 18, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy that not only includes 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren, but also three generations of his family at the helm of the company he founded: Martella Electric Company.

Born on Dec. 19, 1930, Carmen attended Bok Vocational Technical School, where his lifelong passion for electrical technology sparked. While he kept up with his other studies, it was apparent from Carmen’s elaborate electric model train setups where his interests laid. An HVAC contractor eventually took Carmen under his wing, which introduced him to working in the trades.

Carmen founded Martella Electric Company in 1955. At the time—when he moved his young family into a new home in the Upper Darby suburb—Carmen might not have imagined three generations of his family running the show 70 years later, but that’s how it has worked out. It’s even less likely that he would expect just as many generations of his customers’ families would continue seeking help from his, but we’ve been making similar calls to many familiar homes throughout the decades we’ve been in business.  

Carmen’s life was not just rich with family and rewarding work, however. A devout Roman Catholic, he was a generous supporter of the Church’s mission and regularly attended Mass. He also supported the Boy Scouts of America, becoming an integral part of Troop 251 at St. Laurence and serving as the Advancement Chairman. With his late wife, Joan, Carmen enjoyed square dancing and making lifelong friends on their travels together, visiting every continent (except Antarctica).

Carmen is beloved by his family and always will be. It’s our mission to keep his passion for life and good work alive through us. If you would like to make a donation in Carmen’s name, his family would appreciates contributions to Sisters of Life - Annunciation Motherhouse, 38 Montebello Rd., Suffern, NY 10901 or Cradle of Liberty Council, Boy Scouts of America.