Mourners gathered in Yonkers Saturday to say a final farewell to the city's longest-serving first lady.
The Church of St. Eugene was packed with loved ones for the funeral service of Carol Martinelli, who passed away last Wednesday. Martinelli was born in Calabria, Italy, and moved to Mount Vernon with her family at the age of 4.
In 1949, she married Angelo Martinelli, who became the Yonkers mayor in 1974. His tenure would last 12 years.
Martinelli is remembered for her giving spirit. She chaired the American Cancer Society's Daffodil Days, which raised money for cancer research, and also worked with a number of church and charity programs.
The 89-year-old is survived by her husband and six sons, including former City Council President Richard Martinelli, city court Judge Michael Martinelli and publisher of Westchester Magazine Ralph Martinelli.