David Roy Martella, 82, of Salinas, CA passed away unexpectedly on Monday, August 2 at his home in Woodsville, NH.

David was born February 3, 1939, to Roy B and Winona (Hickey) Martella.  He grew up farming in Salinas and was an All-State football player at Salinas Union High School before attending Utah State on scholarship.  Following an injury his freshman year, he returned to the farm in Salinas and began a family.  After several years, he started back in college at Cal Poly Technical Institute in San Luis Obispo then transferred to the University of Arizona.  He later completed graduate studies in agricultural economics at Purdue, specializing in international trade economics.  After completing his master's degree, he did extensive research and taught at Purdue and the University of Arkansas before taking a job with USAID.  He spent 20 years in Africa working for USAID and universities and other private organizations on development and agricultural programs.  He returned in 2000 to his home in New Hampshire.  He spent his retirement years splitting his time between his home in New Hampshire, his childhood home in Salinas, CA and more recently, a beach home in Gulf Shores, AL.  To the frustration of his children, he developed a new hobby and became a top buyer of items from governmentauctions.com.  David loved to travel, was an avid hunter and was a voracious reader.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Winona Martella, brother Lloyd Andrew Martella and son David Charles Martella.

David is survived by his sister, Janet Fay and brothers, Norman Martella and John Martella all of Salinas, CA; daughter-in-law, Melissa Martella, children William Roy Martella, Robert Thomas Martella, Joann Dean and her husband Andy, and Catherine Martella, as well as 10 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.

The family is planning a private memorial celebration.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited or to your favorite charity.