Anthony Jodie Martella

Born on January 11, 1952 in Dallas, TX, Tony was the son of Anthony Joseph Martella and Nealie Mae Martella.

Tony is survived by his devoted wife of 42 years, Terry Kay Martella; daughters, Nicole Pingelton and her husband John of Dallas, Natalie Martella and her husband Evis Evgeniou of Tampa, FL, and son Bryan Martella and his wife Tiffani of Houston. He is also survived by his beloved granddaughters, Sloane and Quinn Pingelton of Dallas. Additionally, Tony is survived by his sisters, Susie Pounds (L.H.), Pamela Dismore, twin sister Elissa Gay (Pete), and Candy Myers (Terry), as well as his niece Shelley Stewart (Jag) and nephew Anthony Reid.

Standing at 6’7”, “Little Tony,” as he was affectionately known, was a kind, loyal, and thoughtful soul who loved his family above all else. He will be remembered for his generosity and the warmth he brought to every room he entered.

Tony was a proud graduate of Kimball High School in Oak Cliff and went on to earn his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Texas Tech University, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He cherished the lifelong friendships he made through Sigma Nu and enjoyed countless adventures with his fraternity brothers.

For fifty years, Tony was the owner of M&M Manufacturing and Engraving in Grand Prairie. His ingenuity and dedication were evident in every project he took on, from creating a "crazy idea" his son had to building parts for major aircraft manufacturers. He was a tireless provider for his family, always present for his children’s activities—whether it was sports, science projects, band performances, or campouts. With his engineering background, Tony was a whiz at helping with calculus homework and building projects that often earned first-prize ribbons. The kids loved it! His “dad jokes,” whether funny or not, always brought a smile to everyone around him.

Tony had a passion for travel, Dallas sports teams, and horse racing. Family vacations were a highlight of his life, from the beaches of Florida to the many cruises the family enjoyed together. His love for horse racing took him to tracks across the country, where he made many lifelong memories with friends.

Growing up with four sisters, Tony learned patience and understanding, and his loyalty to those he loved knew no bounds. There was no task too big, no day too busy; Tony was always there to help and lend a hand. He will be remembered not only for his unwavering support but also for his courageous and quiet battle with Parkinson’s disease. While he fought valiantly, he found peace in the end, and we like to imagine that he is now enjoying a big Italian Sunday dinner followed by a bowl of bluebell ice cream with his parents and other relatives in heaven.

To celebrate his life a memorial service will be held at Plymouth Park United Methodist at 1615 W Airport Freeway Irving, Texas 75062, on April 5th at 11 am, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Parkinson’s Voice Project or Visiting Nurse Association of Texas (VNA) in Tony’s honor.

Rest in peace, Tony. You were loved beyond measure and will be deeply missed.