Rene G. Martel

René G. Martel, 84, son of Dr. Roland O. and Loretta (Barthel) Martel of Gardner. MA, died peacefully on April 29, 2018 after a brief illness. He spent his lifetime entertaining as a pianist and singer, retiring to Sewickley, Pennsylvania to be near his niece and nephew.  René attended Gardner High School and Boston University then lived most of his life in Manhattan. His mellifluous voice was among the best of his generation. He sang with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra and had the opportunity to open for Tony Bennett early in his career.  With his René Martel Trio, he played some of the better clubs including the Plaza, the Pierre and the Waldorf Astoria Hotels in New York. A brilliant mimic, he was a popular entertainer sought after in New York and Las Vegas.  He loved to travel whether to London for the theater, Paris for fine food or on art tours with his sister Diane. His family remembers his keen wit and love of an evening out. He leaves behind his brother Gerard Martel and sister-in-law Nadine, his brother Dr. Charles and sister-in-law Veronica as well as beloved nieces and nephews Priscilla Martel and Charles van Over; Christopher and Lisa Martel; Charles and Shelly Martel; Anne (Martel) and Brian Mahoney; Maria (Martel) and Shaun Bryant; Loretta Horowitz and Fabian Moreno. He also leaves a large family of cousins and his grand nieces and nephews Corey, Sarah, Justin, Jamie, Breanne, Veronica, Catherine and Roland. He was predeceased by his dear sister Diane Martel Horowitz. He will be missed by Dawn Millorino, Francis “Stew” Snyder and his many friends and staff at the Masonic Village. A memorial service will be held at the Masonic Village Clubhouse, Sewickley PA on May 19, 2018 at 11:00 am and a Funeral Mass to take place later in the year at Annunciation Parish, formerly known as Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Church, in Gardner MA. Contributions in his memory may be made to the Masonic Village Employee Fund. Arrangements by Copeland’s of Sewickley.

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