Jeffrey R. Martell

After a courageous battle with cancer, Jeff Martell went to be home with Jesus on November 27, 2023. He was a beloved pastor, husband, son, brother, and father. At the time of his passing, he was surrounded by his family.
Jeff was born December 2, 1975 in Akron. From the start, Jeff was an energetic and athletic boy, loving all sports and adventures. Jeff enjoyed playing outside and getting into trouble with his childhood friend, Robbie, as they rode bikes and Big Wheels around the family trailer park in Springfield. 
Jeff’s parents, Ronald and Patricia Martell, gave Jeff a foundation of faith and generous living for service to others. Their example of loving-kindness shaped Jeff throughout his life. Jeff had two strong older sisters, Lisa and Mary, who loved and teased him, helping him become a man who deeply respected women--a trait that blessed others during his years of ministry. Jeff also had the pleasure of being a big brother to James, whom he dearly loved and whose artistic abilities, scientific mind, and heartfelt love was another anchor for Jeff in his life. Jeff’s family of origin was close, spending hours together camping, playing games, eating together, hosting family gatherings and helping others. 
Jeff made treasured friendships throughout his life beginning with his school days at Young School, St. Matthew School, and at Archbishop Hoban High School. He played basketball and tennis at Hoban, where he also excelled academically. He attended Walsh University on a tennis scholarship, enjoying spring breaks in warmer climates, like Hilton Head Island. After Jeff graduated from college, he moved to Naples, Florida, a time of his life that deeply impacted him spiritually as he deepened his walk with the Lord and was influenced by his wonderful Uncle Spike and Aunt Judy Martell. 
After about a year in Florida, Jeff returned to Akron and felt the call to ministry. He pursued seminary through the Akron extension of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and began working at The Chapel in Akron. This is when he met the love of his life, Marcia Krietemeyer. Marcia, whom Jeff deeply loved, respected and admired for her faith, was his faithful life partner in family and ministry. Together, they parented the other loves of their lives, Luke Jeffrey and Natalie Grace, their wonderful children. Jeff loved being a husband and father most in his life, including hours of family CrossFit workouts in their home gym and annual vacations to Naples, Florida. These times together included lots of Jeff’s favorites from pizza to ice cream to shoe shopping at the outlet mall. 
Jeff and Marcia served in many capacities over the years at The Chapel and Grace Church, beginning in sports ministry, then young adults ministry, then as a leader of adults through small group ministry, to larger senior leadership roles, including planting the Barberton Campus of Grace Church and most recently by serving through a challenging time of transition at the Green and Akron campuses of The Chapel. He was thankful to have served with many wonderful people at both The Chapel and Grace Church, so many it would fill these pages.
As his ministry experiences grew, Jeff wanted to grow in his knowledge of spiritual formation, leading him to pursue a doctorate from Southern Seminary. Dr. Martell counted it a privilege to teach ministry leaders through courses for Grace College, Trinity, and Malone University. Many churches across the area have been impacted by this role of teacher and mentor of young leaders. He also hosted a men’s Bible study for many years, bright and early on Saturday mornings. Many men grew in their spiritual wisdom and understanding through these rich discussions centered on the Word of God. 
There were many people who provided care and comfort to Jeff during his fight against cancer. A special thank you to Dr. Nashat Gabrail whose compassion and active, energetic medical care blessed Jeff and his family.
Jeff was many things to many people, but at his core, he was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. He loved Him and desired to give his whole self--soul, spirit, strength and mind--to His service. He dreamed big dreams, was a visionary, who wanted most all to welcome those who feel unseen, unloved, or overlooked. His life was devoted to pointing others to the God who sees, values, and loves them.
Jeff is survived by his wife of 20 years, Marcia Martell of Norton, OH; father, Ronald Martell; mother, Patricia Martell; son, Luke Martell; daughter, Natalie Martell; two sisters, Lisa (Steve) Testa, Meredith (John) Hooker; brother, James (Liz) Martell; father-in-law, Mike Krietemeyer; mother-in-law, Teresa Krietemeyer; and many other loving family and friends.
Funeral Service will be 5:00 pm, Saturday, December 2, 2023 at The Chapel in Green, 1800 Raber Road, Uniontown, Ohio 44685.  Visitation will be Friday, December 1, 2023 from 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm at The Chapel in Green.  Jeffrey's final resting place will be Hillside Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, Jeff and Marcia would encourage joining them in giving to Haven of Rest or a ministry or charity of your choice.