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Martin Lalli, 67, Formerly Of New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – Martin Lalli, longtime resident of New Rochelle, died Friday, May 8 of complications from lung surgery March 24.

Lalli was born Aug. 12, 1947, in Mount Vernon Hospital to John and Pauline (Onorato) Lalli of New Rochelle. He attended Blessed Sacrament Grammar School and New Rochelle High School, after which he served in Vietnam (1969-70).

He is a decorated war hero who was awarded multiple Bronze Stars with 'V' device, multiple Army Commendation Medals, the Air Medal and Purple Hearts. He is credited with heroic actions on two separate operations occurring two months apart in 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, he exposed himself to the hail of fire as he placed effective fire on hostile positions.

He was owner/operator of the Lallipop and Marty & Lenny's clubs in New Rochelle during the 1970s, '80s and early '90s. 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. During a 30-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 of the New Rochelle and Westchester County communities, sponsoring many community services and fundraiser events, including hospital, church, police and 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 open restaurants and clubs in California and Florida, where he relocated for the past 18 years of his life. He loved his life in Florida, continuing longtime friendships and making many wonderful new friends in Ft. Lauderdale and most recently, Stuart, where he resided the last two years.

He 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, a lifelong member of the American Legion, member of the 3 and 4 Squads/4th Cavalry/ 25th Infantry Division reunion group, member of Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund and member and supporter of the Veterans Administration.

He is survived by his brothers, John (Leigh) and Ronald (Roseann); seven nephews and nieces; and seven great-nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Robert W. Lalli. He is also preceded in death by his lifelong and beloved friend, the Rev. Thomas E. McNamara (Father Tom) of New Rochelle.

Funeral services are scheduled for noon Tuesday, June 2 at Holy Name of Jesus Church, 75 Lispenard Ave., New Rochelle, with burial to follow at Beechwoods Cemetery, New Rochelle. Rev. Martin Biglin, Pastor, Holy Name, will officiate. All are welcome to attend and celebrate his life.

In lieu of flowers, send donations to The Anthony Senerchia Jr. ALS Charitable Foundation here  or Butterflies From Jodie here.

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