NEW ROCHELLE, NY — Martin Lalli, longtime resident of New Rochelle, NY, passed away unexpectedly on May 8, 2015 of complications from lung surgery on March 24. Marty is survived by his brothers John (Leigh) and Ronald (Roseann), seven nephews and nieces: John Jr (Ann Marie), James (Alison), Martin (Genia), Kirsten, Scott, Robert (Edit), Cindy, Ron, Danielle, and seven great-nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his beloved brother Robert W. Lalli (Robert, Cindy). He is also preceded in death by his life-long and beloved friend Rev. Thomas E. McNamara (Father Tom) of New Rochelle, NY.
Marty was born on August 12, 1947 in Mount Vernon Hospital to John and Pauline (Onorato) Lalli of New Rochelle, NY. He attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar School and New Rochelle High School, after which he served valiantly in Vietnam (1969-70). He is a decorated war hero awarded multiple Bronze Stars with ‘V’ device, multiple Army Commendation Medals, the Air Medal, and Purple Hearts. Marty is credited with heroic actions on two separate operations occurring two months apart during 1969 with risking his own life to save many wounded comrades and then putting devastating fire on the enemy while the injured men were evacuated to safety. In another operation, his helicopter came under intense fire necessitating a forced landing. With complete disregard for his own life, Marty exposed himself to the hail of fire as he placed effective fire on hostile positons, contributing immeasurably to the defeat of the aggressor force.
Marty was owner/operator of the Lallipop and Marty & Lenny’s clubs in New Rochelle over the ‘70’s, 80’s, and early 90’s. He was an innovative music, food, and beverage entrepreneur who revolutionized and transitioned the rock and roll/disco era from his New Rochelle clubs in advance of the big clubs rolling out in New York City. Over a thirty year period in New Rochelle, he helped many friends get their careers started and was known to help anyone he could by employing them and taking interest in their personal and family activities. He was a staunch supporter to the New Rochelle and Westchester County community, sponsoring many community services and fundraiser events including Hospital, Church, Police, Fire, charities such as Toys for Tots and the Westchester Heart Association where he was a major fundraiser. He founded the Robert W. Lalli Memorial Blood Bank in honor of his late brother Bobby, and sponsored many years of what became the largest annual blood drive in the history of New Rochelle Hospital Medical Center. After Marty & Lenny’s and The Lallipop, he helped friends and colleagues roll out restaurants and clubs in California and Florida, where he relocated over the past 18 years, never losing touch with his many friends in New Rochelle . Marty loved his life in Florida, continuing longtime friendships and making many wonderful new friends in Ft Lauderdale and most recently Stuart where he so happily resided these last two years.
Marty was a lifelong bachelor, who enjoyed following the accomplishments and activities of his beloved nieces and nephews and their young families. He also enjoyed fishing and was a huge pet lover, both of which he enjoyed sharing with his nieces and nephews and their families. He was a strong supporter of our troops and military, a lifetime member of the Disabled Veterans Association (DVA), a lifelong member of the American Legion; Member of the 3 and 4 Squads/4th Cavalry/ 25th Infantry Division reunion group; Member, Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and member and supporter of the Veterans Administration.
Funeral services are scheduled for Noon on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 75 Lispenard Avenue, New Rochelle, NY, with burial to follow at Beechwoods Cemetery, New Rochelle, NY. Rev. Martin Biglin, Pastor, Holy Name will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Marty’s life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The Anthony Senerchia Jr. ALS Charitable Foundation at www.asjfoundation.org or Butterflies From Jodie at www.butterfliesfromjodie.org. Condolences can be sent to www.lloydmaxcy.com. The family would like to thank the wonderful caregivers/hospital staff at the Martin Health System, including Martin North, Martin South, HealthSouth Rehabilitation hospitals, Stuart, Florida and Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami Florida, for their efforts, care, and dedication to Marty, who kept his humor with all the staff there throughout.