Yolanda Martino

Yolando Martino passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 1, 2022 surrounded by her three children. Yolanda was born in The Bronx, NY on March 14, 1929 to Lucia and Francisco Antico. At 16 while attending Columbus High School, she took an Italian class where she met the love of her life Alfiero (Al) Martino. The language didn’t stick, but she and Al grew close and after a few dates, she was invited to prom. After graduation, Al spent two years in the army, and upon his return the two were engaged.

They married in 1950 and began their future in New York. They raised their three children in an apartment building that they also shared with their extended family. Yolanda was a doer, and the foundation of her family. In the hustle and bustle of city life, Yolanda found ways to keep a close eye on her kids, working as a crossing guard at her children’s school or participating in school events (perhaps to their displeasure). When Al opened a butcher shop, she supported him by making all the prepared foods that were sold in the store.

The excitement of city life waned as they started to spend more summers in Sag Harbor, New York where Yolanda, Al, and their extended family would all vacation together. As her kids grew up and made families of their own, they decided to retire in what was at the time a sleepy summer town.

Life in the Hamptons was a different experience for the couple who had an admiration for nature and the outdoors. While they rubbed shoulders with the Hampton elite, Yolanda and Al made their life on the east end their own; teaching their children and nine grandchildren how to fish, clam, and catch crabs. Later in life Yolanda was always searching for new ways to stimulate her intellectual curiosities by taking classes at the local library to learn how to use a computer, send emails, log onto facebook, and play her favorite game Snood (she’s a record holder!). Yolanda and Al were also active in the community as volunteers at the Bay Street Theater and with the Columbiettes.

As her family grew to nineteen great-grandchildren, Yolanda never stopped entertaining, keeping an open door to host countless family events up to her dying day. Her love, laughter and generosity will be missed. 

Yolanda is survived by her three children, Diana (Robert) Piagentini, John (Rose) Martino, and Donna (Loreto) Galbo; Nine grandchildren, Robert, Michael, Joseph, John, Gina, Juliana, Anthony, Michael, and Kristina; 19 great-grandchildren; and leaves behind many adoring nieces and nephews. Yolanda was predeceased by her beloved husband Alfiero of seventy-one years who passed away just days after Yolanda’s death and five siblings.

Friends may visit with the family at the Ralph Giordano Funeral Home in The Bronx, NY on Wednesday, June 8, 2022 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Clare of Assisi Church on Thursday June 9, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a private burial.

In lieu of flowers you may make a memorial donation in the name of Yolanda Martino to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ralph Giordano Funeral Home.

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