Gerald E. "J.J." Martel

Gerald E. "J.J." Martel, 60, of Grinnell St., Fall River, beloved and devoted husband of Muriel (Pelletier) Martel and son of Dorothy (Vaillancourt) Martel of Fall River and the late Ernest J. Martel, entered into rest Saturday, October 9, 2010, after losing his battle with cancer. A 1968 graduate of Durfee High School, he later went on to earn an associate's degree from Bristol Community College and also attended Johnson & Whales University. A Navy veteran of the Vietnam War, he also served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and the MCB-12 Seabees. He was employed at the Naval Station, Newport, for over 32 years, retiring in 2004 as a high voltage electrician. Besides his wife of 20 years and his mother, Mr. Martel is survived by a son, Christopher J. Martel; two daughters, Renee Wickberg and Amy Vertentes (husband Robert) and a sister, Suzanne Nowacki, all of Fall River; and seven grandchildren, Brandon, Kayla, Alicia, Melissa, Melanie, Samantha and Jessica. He also leaves behind two nephews and a favorite niece Mrs. Katie Jones. His funeral will be held Tuesday at 9:00 AM from the AUCLAIR FUNERAL HOME, 690 So. Main St., Fall River, with a funeral mass in St. Anne Church at 10:00 AM. Burial, Massachusetts National Cemetery, Bourne. Visitation, Monday 4:00 to 8:00 PM. LARGE PARKING AREA and BARRIER-FREE ENTRANCE at the rear of funeral home.