Ralph C. Martini

Ralph C. Martini, 90, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away after a brief illness November 23, 2020. Born in Brockton, Massachusetts, son of the late Joseph & Assunta (Dotolo) Martini, Ralph is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Leach Martini, with whom he had just celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary, and son, Jeffrey Martini, and wife, Barbara of Rockland, MA. His daughter, Frances Martini, and his sister, Mary Martini-Simmons, predeceased Ralph.

Ralph was born and grew up in Brockton, Massachusetts and was an Air Force veteran of the Korean War. Upon his return from the service, he met and married Elizabeth (Betty) Leach of West Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 1955. They had a son Jeffrey, later moving to Pembroke, Massachusetts, in 1965. In 1992, they moved to Mackay, Idaho, and owned a Bed & Breakfast. Though they recently moved to Idaho Falls, Idaho, Ralph loved the mountains of Mackay and always called it home.

Before moving to the mountains of Idaho, Ralph loved the sea and enjoyed fishing along Cape Cod, often bringing his young son Jeff along for overnight fishing trips. He loved the solitude of the beach at night, the sound of the surf, and the smell of the salt air. He also celebrated the sea by meticulously building scale models of historic sailing ships such as the USS Constitution.

Ralph was an active member of the American Legion in Mackay, Idaho, acting as bugler in parades and funerals for other veterans. He was a past president of the parish council for Saint Barbara's church in Mackay, and also a member of the preservation committee, overseeing historic Mine Hill in Mackay.

A Memorial service is being planned for the spring of 2021.