Obituary of Anthony Martelli

Tony Martelli, passed away at the age of 90 on December 13, (12-13-14), in Tacoma, WA surrounded by his loving and close family. Tony was born in Tacoma on December 1, 1924 to Italian immigrants, Carl and Christina Martelli. Tony grew up in Tacoma, attended Lincoln High School and at age 18, was drafted into the US Army. Tony was stationed in the Philippines and served as a military gunner before being promoted to Sergeant. Tony always had an interest in numbers and earned a degree at UPS in Business/Accounting. He became a CPA and had a 30 year career with the IRS, starting as an IRS Agent and ending his career as an IRS Division Chief. During his career, he was known to "go the extra mile" and as a result, received numerous honors and special recognitions. After retiring from the IRS, he began a second 10 year career at Knight, Vale, and Gregory where he set up pension plans for corporations. Following his second career, he continued to prepare tax returns for clients into his 80's. His strong work ethic was instilled in his children and grand children and something they all appreciate and cherish. In 1951, he married Emma Marsillo in Anaconda, MT. This year, they celebrated their 63rd anniversary. Tony and Emma took many wonderful trips together (often on cruises) with family and friends. About 25 years into their marriage, they took ballroom dance lessons. They became "hooked" and loved to dance together and developed a large network of friends as a result of their dancing. At family gatherings, we would play music and Tony would often get up and attempt to show his daughters and granddaughters how to dance to the beat (slow-slow-quick-quick). Tony was an avid golfer and golfed well into his 80s. He was known for his short game and hitting them straight. Not only did he achieve six hole-in-one's, he consistently scored in the 70s, with his best round being a 66. Golf was a passion and you would often find him practicing his swing and always looking for tips to improve his game. He introduced the game to his wife and children at an early age and enjoyed playing with his them whenever possible, including a round with his son and daughter on opening day at Chambers Bay. Tony and Emma embraced their Italian heritage and all that it involved. Food, music, bocci, helping Emma make pasta and sausage, vegetable gardening, and large family gatherings were at the heart of the Martelli household. Tony often said how thankful he was for his close family and the time we spent together. It was common to gather for dinners or picnics that included dancing, bocce, or poker, something Tony taught his children and grandchildren. Tony was a long time member of the Allenmore Golf Course, Tacoma Elks, the Eagles, and the Christopher Columbus Society and built a network of friends throughout the Tacoma community. Although Tony accomplished much during his life and had many talents, he was always humble about his successes. He was more interested in making someone else shine rather than himself. This quality was endearing, and one that made a big impression on his children and grandchildren and one for which he will always be remembered and admired. Tony will be loved and missed by many. Tony is survived by his wife, Emma, his children Carl Martelli (Gayle), Joanne Quante (Gil), Karen Martelli-Palosi (Brian), and seven grandchildren, Erin Martelli-Gustafson (Damon), Kristin Martelli, Jamie Martelli, Nick Quante, Laura Quante, Andi Palosi, Mia Palosi, and two great-grandchildren, Canon Gustafson, and Finley Gustafson. There will be a viewing from 1:00 to 3:00 on Friday December 19th at Piper Morley Chapel. The funeral service will be on Monday, December 22 at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. (7112 South 12th Street). Arrangements by Piper-Morley-Mellinger with Oakwood Hill Funeral Home, 472-3353