Donald George Martel, 69, passed away at his home in Oswego, New York, on November 14, 2022 after battling pancreatic cancer for over two years. He was born in Montreal, Canada to the late Gerard and C. Joan Martel on February 1, 1953 and moved to Corinth, NY, at a young age. After graduating from Corinth Central School in 1972, he enlisted in the Army and later was stationed in Germany where he served his country in the Pershing Missile Program. He retired as a decorated CW3 in October 1992, after serving his country proudly for over 21 years. During his time in Germany, he met his beloved wife Renate, whom he married in 1976, and they welcomed three daughters abroad. After retirement from the military, he and his family moved to Oswego, NY, allowing him to pursue a degree at Oswego State, graduating Suma Cum Laude in 1997 with his Master’s Degree in Education. After graduation, he served multiple school districts in New York State and retired as a New York State Teacher in January 2020 from Citi BOCES Mexico, NY.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, friend, and neighbor. He is survived by his wife Renate Martel of 46 years; daughters Jessica Martel, Catherine Martel, and Rebecca (Gregg) Jordan; granddaughters Teagan Martel and Adair Martel; siblings, great aunt, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.
All of his life, he enjoyed racing cars, buying cars, and fixing cars. His children vividly remember many days at car dealerships and learning car maintenance. He could fix anything! Later in life, his hobbies expanded to flying drones and traveling; some of his fondest memories included visiting his family in Canada. He was a lover of dogs and frequently was heard speaking of his late Labrador Sam. Above all, he was kind man, who loved his family dearly.
Funeral services will be Saturday at 3:00 PM at the Sugar & Scanlon Funeral Home 147 W. 4th. St. Oswego, with Pastor Bruce Schrader.
Calling hours will be Saturday from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers donation may be made to the National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation, www.npcf.us.
Rebecca I am so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
My heart and prayers are with all of you. Don was an amazing man. I watched him work on Katie’s house, wear an apron to help with dinner and walk everyone’s dogs down to the park with no complaint…He always made me feel like part of the family. He will be missed.
I never knew Mr. Martel, but I have worked with his daughter Rebecca for many years. If she is any indication of what he was like, he must have been a wonderful husband, father, friend and neighbor. Thank you to him as well for his service to this country. My thoughts and prayers go with the family at this time of loss.
Rebecca,
Sorry for the lost of your father. You and your family are in thoughts and prayers. Continue to stay strong, we are here for you.
Your Courtland Family
So sorry for your loss. Don was a true educator, who took his profession very seriously. As a career counselor, I could always count on students receiving the highest standard in his classroom.
Something I appreciate it about Don as a colleague . If we both saw a student issue in a different light, he was always able to hear both sides and come up with a solution together, so the student progressed and gained understanding. Don’s ability to be a awesome teammate is something that I honored highly and was missed when he left us in 2020 .
Dearest Katie and family,
My deepest condolences are with you at this time and as you mourn the passing of your father. Sending love and comfort to hold your heart at this moment of your journey
I have only know Katie since she moved to Charleston sc a year ago, some how we clicked at the dog park , with Klaus, and Norm and Boo.I heard all of the good stories about being in Germany, and all of her father’s accomplishments . I am so sorry for your loss, I am here for you if you need anything please let me know
Don was one in a million. He was always willing to go the extra mile, loved his family and friends and would do anything for them. His smile and his laugh could light up a room. I consider myself blessed to count him as a friend.
When I was a young 2lt, your father was a SSG in my maintenance platoon, A Battery 1/41, 1978. He was a good teacher, helping me learn the ropes. I believe he was made a CW1 shortly thereafter. So sorry to hear about his illness and passing.
Donny and I shared many heart to heart conversations during the summers at the cottage in Waltham Quebec. It was always such a pleasure when Donny and his family arrived. Many family relatives all around. You will be missed Donny.
I am very sorry for your loss. Don was the type of person that had an instant impact on people and the students he worked with. While I only worked with him for a short time at OCM BOCES, his passion for education and his military stories were captivating. He was always talking about his family and military background. After he went to CITI BOCES, he came back to his OCM family often to help fellow teachers and share in their friendship. Don will be missed by everyone he taught with.
I served with Don in Germany. In 1976 I had dinner with Don and his wife on a Sunday afternoon. We had Rabbit. Was tasty. RIP Don, thanks for being you. I still remember our dinner 46 years later.
RIP
On behalf of the Pershing Professionals, Black Jack, National Chapter, Lawton, Fort Sill, we are sorry for your Loss. Don’s name will be added to the Pershing Memorial Wall, in Bldg 56 (Pershing Hall), Fort Sill, OK
I had the pleasure of working with Don at CiTi for several years. He was a truly caring and dedicated teacher. He was always the first to try new learning strategies and was always innovative! Additionally, he was a class act and true gentleman. I will miss my friend!
Don and I worked together in Germany with the Pershing missile system. Don would give the shirt off of his back for you! We had a lot of great and also challenging jobs in the Army…and Don was always up to the challenge. Renate and Don were also very helpful in getting our family settled in the community, something that was always appreciated. Dee Dee and I are very sorry for your loss and you all will be in our prayers.
Rebecca
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family our in our thoughts and prayers. Sending hugs-your CaroMont Family
Katie, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
My darlings, i am the great aunt and am so very, very sorry. Donny was the first grand
Child and my first nephew; there’s always something special about the first. My thoughts, love, and prayers go to all of you.
I have had the privilege of working alongside Rebecca Jordan for the last several years. She and I spoke often of our similar upbringing with our fathers serving in the military and their love for cars. Although I never met her father, I know Mr. Martel was a great man who will truly be missed. Sending my condolences to the entire family.
I have had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Martel’s daughter, Rebecca for the past several years. We often spoke about our similar upbringings with military fathers, their love for cars and living in Germany.
Although I never met Mr. Martel, I was able to hear about and feel the love that he had for his family.
My condolences to the entire Martel family.
Don and I started together at CiTi BOCE. He was a great educator and a good friend. I could always count on him to help plan out a lesson or to just chat. He will be missed!
I worked with Don at Cortland BOCES. He treated me like family and looked over each of us. I’ll never forget those days. My condolences for your loss. Love from the Dann family.
Don was a great mentor to me at OCM BOCES. He is missed.
Jess, Adair and Teagen-
We are all so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do. Sending love from Canton
Patience, Cam and Aubrey