Gilbert Mike Martin, 84, passed peacefully Wednesday evening, July 5th, after a short illness.

He was born on September 27, 1932, in Seattle, Washington, to Italian immigrant parents Olivia Grossi and Giovanni Di Martino (John Martin). The family, including Gil’s older sister Amelia Elma, lived in the then-known “Garlic Gulch” area of South Seattle.
Gil became the man of the house after his father died of sudden heart failure shortly after Gil’s 10th birthday in 1942. The family struggled during the war and Gil helped to provide for his family with a paper route, and various odd jobs.

After graduating from O’Dea High School, Gil enlisted in the United States Navy and served at Barbers Point Naval Air Station in Hawaii. After an honorable discharge he attended Seattle University, graduating with a degree in Commercial Science. He then began a banking career with Prudential Mutual Savings Bank.

In 1966, he met the love of his life, Josephine (Joanie) Carnine from Tacoma, and they were married a year later. Gil and Joanie settled in the Wedgwood neighborhood of Seattle where they welcomed three children and were members of Our Lady of the Lake Parish. He became a Vice President of Prudential Mutual Savings Bank and opened many branches over the next decade. He retired from Pemco Financial Services in 2001. Gil was a member of the Seattle Seafair Clowns, Elks Lodge, Sons of Italy, Ballard Kiwanis, Kent Rotary Club, Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick, Pemco Emeritus Club and chaired many charitable organizations including the Northwest Kidney Foundation.

Gil did not come from a large family, but after marrying Joanie, he was proud to say he was adopted by brothers Dr. John, Dr. Ron, Dr. Joe and sister Louise Gallucci. After retirement, he met more family during his first trip to Italy to visit the home of his ancestors. He enjoyed the many cousins and extended family he had heard of but never met.

Gil and Joanie moved to their summer home in Gig Harbor, WA in 2003 to enjoy the leisurely pace of waterfront living. They became members of St. Nicholas Parish.

Gil will live on in the life of his loving wife, Joanie, of 50 years, and his children: John (Jenney) of Seattle, Mary “Mimi” (David) Katz of St. Helena, CA; Michael (Shauna Dean) of Seattle, and six grandchildren: Zoey, William, Josephine, Mariella, Fletcher and Maria. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister.

Funeral Mass in his honor will be celebrated at 11AM Friday, July 21, 2017, followed by a luncheon, at Our Lady of the Lake Parish, 8900 35th Ave NE, in Seattle.

The family wishes to thank the care staff at St. Joseph Medical Center Tacoma for their above-and-beyond care for Gil.

Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home

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