Paul C. Martinelli

On Thursday, June 12th, 2025, Paul Caesar Martinelli, loving husband, son, and father passed away at the age of 73 at Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, NJ.

Paul was born on October 7th, 1951 in Jersey City to Caesar and Katherine Martinelli. He married Irene Mergenthal on May 22nd, 1993. Together they raised their daughter Ashley, whom they adopted as a baby from China in September of 1997. In December of 2023, they welcomed their first grandson Jamie to the family.

Paul was a content, simple man who derived his enjoyment from listening to WBGO Jazz, drinking coffee, and going fishing with his daughter in his free time. Some of his popular catchphrases were “It’s all about the coffee!” and “You know what they say: ‘A bad day fishing is better than a good day at work.’” Paul worked his entire career in the field of HVAC (he made sure to call it H.V.A.C. and cringed if you called it H-Vac) and was a proud member of his union: Pipefitters Local 274. His tenure ended at Montclair State University where he was a mechanical equipment specialist until he (begrudgingly) retired in 2021. If it were up to him, he would’ve worked forever because he enjoyed the trade. Paul is known for being a hard worker, had a very silly and light sense of humor, and embodied the true ‘Dad-look’ with his khaki shorts, calf-high socks, and white New Balance sneakers before it was a trend.

Paul was preceded in death by his father Caesar Martinelli, his uncle Albert Martinelli, and his uncle Carl Streicher. He is survived by his wife Irene Martinelli, his daughter Ashley Martinelli and her partner Christopher Schuh, his grandson Jamie Schuh, his mother Katherine Martinelli, and his Aunt Pauline Streicher, as well as many dear friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, June 16th from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at the Boulevard Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 1151 River Road, New Milford, NJ. A prayer service will be offered at 7:00 PM.

Paul will be deeply missed but will be honored and remembered always for his kind nature, his strong will, and the beautiful family and life he created. 

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