Anthony Joseph Martino, III

Mr. Anthony "Tony" Joseph Martino, III, 71, of D'Iberville, MS, died peacefully Friday, July 15, 2011, at his home surrounded by many loved ones. Tony was born May 23, 1940 and was a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast. His life was one lived for and guided by providing happiness for those around him. Quickly assuming the role of father to Candi, Rusty and Jodee and husband to Tootsie allowed him to implement the things he loved into the life of his family, such as camping and fishing, in the hopes that it would afford them the same happiness. A true "Sountern Gentleman", Tony maintained constant integrity and strength while still preserving the humility and compassion which made him a man with few but profound words. He could not have existed as a more exemplary role model for his many grandchildren and who they should strive to become. In the last stretch of his long and fruitful life, Tony was surrounded by all of the family he touched so deeply. They comforted him until his final breaths completed his transition into paradise where he will watch over and comfort them until they meet again. He proudly and honorably served his country in the U. S. Navy in Vietnam. Tony was predeceased by his parents, Anthony Joseph Martino, Jr. and Mildred Fountain Martino, and one sister, Mildred Bernadine Martino. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years, Margaret Rose "Tootsie" Baker Martino, and children, one son, Lowell "Rusty" (Bethany) Fountain of D'Iberville; two daughters, Candi (Kenneth) Sims of Biloxi, and Jodee (Kevin) McGill of D'Iberville; one brother, Mark Martino of D'Iberville; three sisters, Leanora (Jimmy) Franovich of Pascagoula, Marilyn (Johnny) Gilbert of Biloxi, and Janice (Frances) Trochessett of Saucier; fourteen grandchildren, Kenny Michael (Brittany) Sims, II, Tara Sims, Sean Sims, Anthony "Tony" Fountain, Jacques Fountain, Christin Fountain, Maureen McGill, Michael McGill, Lowell Fountain, Jr., Avery Fountain, Faith Fountain, Noah Fountain, Logan Spayde and Koby Spayde, and one great-grandchild, Brandon Geren; brothers-in-law, Edval (Jane) Hughes, and Kenneth (Betty Jean) Hughes; and sisters-in-law, Brenda Viator all of Biloxi, and Beverly Hough of Nederland, Texas; aunts, uncles and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. "I have lived in sight of the ocean where the waters run into the land. I have waded on the beach in the morning and left my tracks in the sand. But musical waves have been calling and the ocean is so wide and vast that I've struck for the silver horizen and put out to sea at last." A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, July 18, 2011, at St. Mary Catholic Church were friends may visit from 9 a.m. until service time. Interment will follow in D'Iberville Memorial Park. Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue, in Biloxi is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.