Romeo R. Martel

            Waterford, VT: Romeo R. Martel, age 90, of Daniels Farm Road, passed peacefully at Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital, Wednesday evening, January 24, 2024, following a rapid decline in his health.

            Romeo was born in Waterford, VT, on October 13, 1933, son to Romeo and Yvonne (Gagne) Martel, they predecease him.  He grew up in Waterford on the family farm, served in the Vermont National Guard and later joined the American Legion after his honorable discharge.  He loved sports and could run like the wind, playing baseball in his youth and later turning to softball.  In the winter he played hockey and was so good at it that Romeo eventually began refereeing games.  He became a very well respected official and was asked to start officiating NCAA games but declined to do so.  His work career started as a bagger at the A&P working his way up to meatcutter and in 1978 he opened Martel’s Meats with his son, Richard, in Waterford.     He and his wife, Marion, owned and operated the Snack Bar at the Green Mountain Mall. When that closed, he started working at Dunkin Donuts and became the Dunkin Delivery Guy. He was still working there the Thursday before he entered the hospital. He was well respected in the community in all that he did and will be very missed.

He is survived by 5 children: Joanne Martel (Jim Emmons) of Danville, VT, Eugene Martel (Tammy) of Lyndonville, Richard Martel (Kathy) of Waterford, Judith Buxton of St. Johnsbury, VT, Christopher Martel also of St. Johnsbury, 1 brother: Roger Martel (Marcia) of Waterford, Sister:  Annette Cadieux (Roger) of St. Johnsbury & Florida, Brother-in-law: Eugene Brown of Waterford and Florida, 5 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Romeo was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marion (Barnett) Martel, son-in-law: Fred Buxton and his sister: Theresa Brown.

 A Graveside service will be announced in the spring for interment at the South Walden Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Romeo’s name for Palliative Care at NVRH to the Denise Dussault Caron Fund, PO Box 905, St. Johnsbury, VT 05819.

Special thanks to all those who gave their assistance and support for their focus, care and attention that Romeo received week in and week out since Marion’s passing.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.saylesfh.com