Louis Adrio Martinelli

Louis Adrio Martinelli of Charlestown, PA, after a tragic fall, passed away peacefully at Lankenau Hospital on May 20, 2024, at the age of 91, with his children, siblings and loving wife of 43 years, Katherine (Linehan) by his side. Luigi as he was called by friends and family, was a man of strong faith, a devoted husband, loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle, mentor and friend to those close to him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew him.

He was born and raised in Conshohocken, February 1, 1933, the oldest son of the late Guido and Zelaide (Spezi) Martinelli, who immigrated to the United States from Italy. He graduated with honors from Conshohocken High School in 1950 and received a degree in Civil Engineering from Villanova University in 1955. This degree did not come easy to him, as at nights he worked in a steel plant while attending Villanova during the day. He also worked his summer and semester breaks in his father’s masonry business to pay for his college tuition. Upon graduation he served his country honorably in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Lou began his professional career at United Engineers in Philadelphia. He then moved on to Day & Zimmermann Inc. for much of his career. While working for D&Z, he was instrumental in giving birth to the concept of Aviation Program Management along with his colleagues and dear friends, Ed Sanii and John O’Connor. Lou’s first Airport project began in 1978 with a new airport for Charlotte, NC, with numerous airport projects to follow. Although focused on Aviation, additional Program Management assignments in unrelated markets were won including water and waste facilities, the Alamodome, a manufacturing complex for Boeing and the Secaucus Rail Terminal for New Jersey Transit. At this time D&Z created a new corporation: Day & Zimmermann Infrastructure (DZIF) which was acquired by AECOM a short time later and rebranded as DMJM Aviation.

Lou loved to travel and over the years visited many countries. He took great pride in his Italian heritage and the birthplace of his parents, Sant’Angelo in Vado, Province Pesaro, Italy. He and his wife made many trips to visit his Italian Relatives over the years. His most memorable trips were when his children and other family members joined them, staying together in a Villa overlooking the beautiful Italian countryside. He was the glue that kept the American and Italian Families together, which would have made his parents very proud. In addition to the trips to Italy, Lou and Kathy traveled to Prague to visit Kathy’s relatives, Austria, Sweden, New Zealand, Tahiti and numerous other countries while cruising. His work also brought him to France, Libya and Saudi Arabia.

Lou loved spending time with his immediate and extended family looking forward to family reunions, monthly luncheons with his siblings and celebrating many joyous occasions over the years with them.

He enjoyed reading, cooking and a bit of gardening. An avid sports enthusiast, he watched all sports, especially the Eagles and was a season ticket holder for many years. He excelled as a pitcher in softball and was a switch hitter when up to bat. He enjoyed good music and not a Sunday passed without listening to Sid Mark’s Sunday with Sinatra.

He and his wife are members of St Norbert Parish in Paoli, where he served as an usher for many years.

In addition to his loving wife Katherine (Linehan), he is survived by his two sons, Lawrence (Craig), Lee (Patricia) and son-in-law Dr. Arthur Finkel. Forever cherished and remembered by 4 grandchildren, Louis, Nicole, Trisha and Amanda and 3 great grandchildren, Leo, Flora and June. Also survived by brothers, Guido (Janet) Martinelli, Michael (Phyllis) Martinell and sister Adele Wilson and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving daughter Lisa Martinelli, grandson Daniel Finkel, sister and brother-in-law Mary and Mark Holland and brother-in-law Joseph Wilson.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024, in St. Norbert Church, 50 Leopard Rd, Paoli, PA. Friends and relatives may call from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place at St. Matthew Cemetery. Conshohocken, PA

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to:

Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Foundation

P.O. Box 781352, Philadelphia, PA 19178-1352

Chop.edu/giving

International Myeloma Foundation

4400 Coldwater Canyon Ave. Suite 300

Studio City, CA 91604

Myeloma.org/donate

Or a charity of your choice

Arrangements are with the Alleva Funeral Home, Inc., 1724 E. Lancaster Ave., Paoli, PA