ROCCO
MARTELL - A
vigorous and responsible citizen, Rocco Martell has made a name for himself
through the building of beautiful homes and sturdy commercial buildings in the
vicinity of Peons Grove. His reputation has caused him to be called upon lately
for much of the repair work being done to the Du Pont company houses in Carneys
Point village.

Mr. Martell was
born on March 10, 1909, in the Province of Chieti, on the Adriatic in southern
Italy, a spot of which both his parents were also natives; he is the son of
Silvio and Livia (Tocco) Martell, both of whom are still living. His father came
to the United States in 1913. His mother and two brothers, Nicola and Dindo,
came to the United States with him when he was ten years old. He was then
enrolled in the public schools of Penns Grove, and completed the eighth grade.
Later he took night courses in architectural drawing at the South Philadelphia
High School and at the Central Young Men's Christian Association night school in
Philadelphia.

Along with his
school work he was occupied with his father in learning from him the trade of
carpentry. In 1928, he went to Philadelphia, working for various building
contractors, and attending the night school. In 1932 he started in
business for himself, as a building contractor engaged in public and private
construction over a range of fifteen miles of Penns Grove. In his work he has
employed as many as one hundred men. Though his business is just entering its
second decade, his buildings have already made a definite contribution to the
appearance of the community.

He is active in
social and community organizations, is a member of the Rotary Club, Chamber of
Commerce, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Sons of
Italy.

On June 8, 1935,
Rocco Martell married Ida Ulissi, daughter of Giovanni and Lucy Ulissi, both
natives of Italy. They are communicants of the St. James Roman Catholic Church
in Penns Grove, and are the parents of three children: 1. Silvio, born June
11, 1936. 2. Rosemarie, born December 30, 1940. 3.
Elizabeth, born July 20, 1942.

From:   Prominent Families of New Jersey, Vol 2,
William Starr Myer, 1945.