Donald Edward "Donnie" Martino, Sr.

Donald E. Martino, Sr., affectionately known as “Mr. Donnie”, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at his home surrounded by loved ones.

Born on July 13, 1933, Mr. Donnie was the 13th of 16 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Anthony J. Martino, Sr. Growing up with 15 siblings in a close-knit Sicilian family, Donnie learned early on how to make himself heard. His booming laugh and larger-than-life personality, combined with his deep love for people, became hallmarks of the man so many came to love.

In 1954, Donnie married Jenny Hungerford, and together they raised six children. Over the years, their lively home became a gathering place for family, friends, neighbors, and sometimes even strangers. Everyone was welcome. Donnie found great joy in stirring a huge pot of oyster soup or serving up his famous spaghetti and meatballs. As far as Donnie was concerned, there was always room for one more at the table.

Before settling back on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Donnie served in the Mississippi National Guard (1952-54), active duty Army (1954-56), and the Army Reserve (1956-1962). In 1963 he and Jenny founded Martino Appliance Service. They worked and managed the business together for 30 years.

Donnie never met a challenge he didn’t enjoy. A gifted athlete and avid outdoorsman, Donnie excelled in fishing, golfing, fast pitch softball, basketball, shrimping, oystering, and hunting (especially dove hunting). Donnie held the title of the fastest men’s fast-pitch softball pitcher in the state (clocked at 98 mph) and competed nationally. His competitive spirit didn’t fade with time. Donnie loved telling about his dove hunting trip to Argentina, where, at the age of 76, he shot 2,000 doves in one day.

And then there was dancing..

Donnie’s enthusiasm for the dance floor was legendary. Every niece or granddaughter knew they’d be pulled from their seat as his next dance partner; fortunately for them, Donnie’s dance moves were known to be both graceful and smooth.

Although Donnie was best known for his huge personality, strength, and unmistakable presence, those who knew him best also knew about his generosity. Countless acts of kindness were known only by their recipients. For instance, as an appliance repairman, Donnie sometimes refused to charge customers he privately knew were struggling.

Donnie was a founding member of the Mullet Brigade, which supported local charities, and a member of the JC Men’s Organization, Notre Dame Athletic Boosters, and Sacred Heart Boosters and an honorary Slavonian Lodge Member. He faithfully sold Christmas trees for many years at St. Theresa Catholic School, and famously ran the Beer Booth at the Sacred Heart Bazaar. He also helped build Sacred Heart Catholic Church, assisting with the construction of the new rectory and installing its air conditioning system.

Retiring from the appliance business didn’t slow Donnie down. That’s when he began operating his late father-in-law’s shrimp boat, the Buddy Gillis. His summers were spent shrimping and his winters were spent dredging oysters. Donnie continued working in local seafood markets until he was 87. His lifetime of hard work paid off when, even in his nineties, he amazed those around him with his incredible strength.

Although Donnie’s imposing presence could initially appear a little intimidating, it never took long to discover his warmth, humor, and kindness, and he was very quickly a favorite in nearly every situation. Even several caretakers who’ve been a part of his life over the past five years have grown to love and admire him in their own ways.

When each of his children and grandchildren were asked to describe him in one word, their diverse answers painted a portrait of his life:

Generous. Athletic. Compassionate. Disciplinarian. Hardest hand shake ever. Tough. Strong. Hero. Jokester. Boisterous. Caring. Unstoppable. Hard Worker. Tenacious. Devoted. Competitive. Loud Cheerleader (in kids sports games). Charming. Loving. Blue eyes. Head strong. Unparalleled.

No single word could describe Donnie Martino. He lived boldly, loved deeply, worked tirelessly, laughed loudly, and gave generously. How fortunate we are that his legacy lives on in the family he cherished and in the people whose lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Joseph Martino, Sr. and Lilly Lowanna (Hightower) Martino; his wife, Genevieve (Hungerford) Martino; his son, Christopher “Chris” Martino; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, John Eldon and Carrie Belle Hungerford; and his siblings, Lena Francis Martino Meyers, Anthony J. Martino, Jr., Lucy Lucinda Martino Lyons, Claire Martino Shankland, George N. Martino, Althea J. Martino Burkle, Ralph J. Martino, Arnold L. Martino, Lilie Rose Martino Seymour, Margaret F. Martino Seymour, Ruth T. Martino Hooper, Lillian Helen Martino Jordan, Joseph Alton Martino, Mary Lou Martino Loyzelle and Eugene L. Martino.

Mr. Donnie’s survivors include his children, Donna (Kevin) Cruso, Richie (Valerie) Martino, Paula (John) Wright, Steve (Cheryl) Martino and Robbie (Michelle) Martino; his grandchildren, Kyle Cruso, Nicolas Cruso, GiAnna (Chance) Cabler, Travis (Lindsay) Martino, Brandi (Mark) Fayard, Nichole (Shawn) Battise, Jonathan (Hannah) Wright, Matthew (Jessie) Wright, Eldon Martino, Ethan Martino, Dyllan Martino and Austin Martino; 9 great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews too numerous to count.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Lezzetta, Bertha, Alisha, Essie, and Tiffany along with Saads and hospice nurses, Caitlyn and Gloria.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in D'Iberville on Friday, August 14, 2026 at 11:00 am. Friends may visit from 9:00 am until Mass time. Interment will follow at Biloxi City Cemetery. A reception will follow at the Slavonian Lodge.

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Donald Edward "Donnie" Martino, Sr.