February 7, 1941 – June 4, 2023
Rochelle (Shelly) Martino age 82, passed away peacefully at Margate Nursing Home where she had been a resident since 2012. She was born in Brooklyn, NY to Louis and Sara Halfon. She was an only child but had eleven first cousins. They were a close family.
She met her husband Robert (Bobby) at a high school dance at Martin Van Buren High School where she graduated a few months later. They had everything in common, including going to the rifle range and going hunting. They married 9 months after graduation. Her daughter Stacey arrived 4 years later, bringing much joy to them and her Grandparents. Shelly had almost 12 years of marriage when Bobby passed away (52 years ago). Life was never the same for her. She never remarried. He was the love of her life. Today they finally are reunited.
Shelly was a piece good buyer and ran the showroom in NYC for Sky City/Gaiety Sportswear. She worked as a Nurse’s Aide taking care of the elderly in their own homes. Later she worked for Professional Security – where she grew up the ranks to lieutenant and managed the Bethpage, NY office. She was no one to reckon with. She was one tough cookie.
Shelly was always surrounded by a great group of friends. When she lived in Brooklyn, Rosedale, Plainview, or in Tamarac Florida. She loved her mahjong games, tile rummy, reading mystery books, traveling overseas to Italy and Greece, cruising and going to Hawaii. She was treasurer of the condominium association and took part in all activities including seeing all shows in the Showroom at Kings Point.
Shelly had a great personality, she was funny, she had no filter, and so full of life, nothing stopped her. She enriched her friends and families‘ lives. She made everyone feel like family, welcomed, and loved. All
will miss her.
She is survived by her daughter Stacey, sister–in–law Alison, nephew Robbie and niece Carie, and her many, many cousins, and friends.
If you would like to make a donation in the memory of my Mom – please donate to St. Jude at www.stjude.org or to Make–A–Wish at www.wish.org. Stacey’s email address is martino922@aol.com.
Arrangements entrusted to: Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, Florida 33024.
© 2024 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Alison Kaplan-Martino-Dillworth
June 7, 2023, 9:51 pm
Rest well my dear Sister-In-Law and send my best to Bobby and our In-Laws to the rest of the Martino family and to your parents whose memories I hold dear. I wasn’t at your wedding, but I was surely there during your pregnancy and the birth of your precious daughter and was happy to babysit each time you and Bobby went out. Always remember the good times we had when you moved from your apartment in Springfield Gardens to the apartment on Brookville Blvd in Rosedale to the house around the corner to your house in Plainview. I know how much you adored your nephew who I was happy to have named after Bobby, so there is still a Robert Martino living here on earth. Will miss you but those fond memories will keep you forever in my ❤.
Andrea
June 8, 2023, 12:36 am
Sending love to “ my most beautiful cousin “ At this time of Your transition.may peace and love surround you ❤️🦋🙏. Shelly was a big part of my childhood. She was very close to my mom especially when we lived at 7-10 and probably before I was born. I remember her attempt to make pizza that did not turn out as she planned. Her dog, Champ was a beautiful boxer. I used to sit under the table with him. My first dog friend. Shelly always made me feel loved. I loved Shelly And have so many memories. You will be in my heart always.
Dyan
June 8, 2023, 12:59 am
I have no good words to express this sad loss. What I can say is I know for sure where she is now is everything for her. She recently spoke of her husband, commenting how sad it was that he wasn’t here. Now she is with him, at last. Shelly was a big part of my younger life. When I reminisce on the times in my life that I miss I often reflect on the days at her home, my second home for a long time, at 86 Beaumont Drive. She made me feel like family and to me she was just that. Shelly, there was no one like you! You meant a lot to me and you will be deeply missed! I’m glad you are finally home.
Robbie
June 9, 2023, 2:28 am
Shelly was always very welcoming to us as we matured into adulthood, she let us grow but always let us know she was there. As tough as she might have appeared, she opened her heart to each of us individually and for that I say thank you Shelly. Around 40 years ago, Shelly expressed her love for the Louis Armstrong song What a Wonderful World . Shelly, thank you for your role in this Wonderful World and for being you.