[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 124 (Wednesday, July 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E697]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MR. ARMAND M. MARTINELLI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2023

  Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to the late Armand 
M. Martinelli, a beloved teacher, veteran, husband, father, 
grandfather, great-grandfather and community leader from Northeastern 
Pennsylvania who has left an indelible mark on our community through 
his profound dedication to education and service.
  Armand Martinelli, a devout Roman Catholic born in Olyphant, PA, 
embodied the values of faith, integrity, and selflessness throughout 
his 92 years of life. From his humble beginnings at Lafayette School in 
Scranton and Mother Cabrini School to becoming a member of the first 4-
year graduating class at Scranton Preparatory School, Armand's early 
education laid the foundation for a lifetime of intellectual pursuit 
and service to others.
  Armand Martinelli served his country valiantly during the Korean War. 
His military journey took him from the 101st Airborne in Breckinridge, 
Kentucky, to the U.S. Counter Intelligence School at Fort Holabird in 
Baltimore, Maryland. He displayed unwavering commitment and courage as 
a special agent with the 704th CIC in Teague and the 308th CIC in 
Pusan, earning the respect and gratitude of his fellow soldiers.
  Upon returning to civilian life, Armand embraced a diverse array of 
occupations before discovering his true calling as an educator. For 
over 5 decades, he worked as a self-employed painter, an insurance 
agent, and a teacher at West Scranton High School. It was within the 
walls of West Scranton High School that Armand would leave an enduring 
legacy as an influential and dedicated educator.
  For 30 years, Armand taught social studies, Latin, and journalism, 
molding the minds of countless students who passed through his 
classrooms. His commitment extended beyond the subject matter; he 
served as an athletic director for 24 years and provided guidance to 
numerous clubs and organizations, including the yearbook, school 
newspaper, and Latin club, among others. His passion for education and 
genuine care for his students earned him the love and admiration of 
those he taught, and many kept in touch with him long after graduation.
  Outside the classroom, Armand's dedication to public service was 
equally commendable. He actively sought to improve our community, 
serving as a member of the Scranton School Board where be championed 
education initiatives. He also played an integral role in the formation 
of the Scranton Federation of Teachers.
  Devoted to serving his West Scranton community and proud of his 
Italian heritage, Armand enjoyed spending time at the Victor Alfieri 
Club where he was an original member of the Cetaiolos bocce team as 
well as attending weekly get together with friends at the Villa Maria 
Restaurant.
  Above all else, Armand loved his family. He took great pride in his 
roles as a husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He 
always looked forward to weekly Sunday dinners, where he treated his 
family to his homemade sauce and meatballs, which he faithfully made 
right up to the last 2 weeks of his life.
  After retiring from his distinguished teaching career, Armand 
continued to serve our community, working as a Tipstaff for Judge James 
J. Walsh, and serving on numerous local executive boards, including the 
Scranton Redevelopment Authority, the Scranton Housing Authority, and 
the Lackawanna Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service. Armand's commitment 
to making a positive impact on the lives of others knew no bounds.
  As we mourn the loss of a true pillar of our community, let us also 
celebrate the profound impact Armand Martinelli had on the lives of 
countless individuals. Through his selfless dedication to education, 
service, and family, he leaves behind a legacy that will continue to 
inspire future generations. May the memory of Armand M. Martinelli 
serve as a beacon of hope and goodness in our community, and may we be 
reminded of the power of a single individual to positively influence 
the lives of others.

                          ____________________