Hudson Valley Magazine Publisher Ralph Martinelli Dies At 57

Ralph A. Martinelli, publisher of Hudson Valley, Westchester Magazine, Westchester Home, Westchester/Hudson Valley Weddings and 914INC. magazines, died Saturday. He was 57.

He had been ill for months following surgery, his brother Tom Martinelli told The Journal News.

He came from a family involved in public life. His father, Angelo Martinelli, was mayor of Yonkers for many years. His five brothers include a former city council president and a city court judge.

He was vice-president of the family's media corporation, Today Media, started by his father in 1948. His magazines' events drew thousands including the county's movers-and-shakers in business, culture and politics.

The Ossining resident was involved in many of Westchester's arts and charitable organizations. He was on the board of directors for ArtsWestchester and worked with the Food Bank for Westchester. His corporate biography said that he directed support and contributions to more than 200 Westchester charities annually.

George Latimer, Westchester's county executive, issued a statement on hearing the news.

"Ralph Martinelli brought wisdom, culture and glamour to Westchester County," Latimer said. "He took a company, started by his father, and grew it into what it is today along with his two brothers. The county certainly pauses when Westchester Magazine hits the mailboxes, and the events he started in Westchester are always the buzz of the county. We will always remember him for the visionary he was."

Martinelli was a graduate of Iona Preparatory School and went to Regis College.

Friends can visit from 4 to 8 p.m., Nov. 5 and 6 at Waterbury & Kelly Funeral Home, 1300 Pleasantville Road in Briarcliff Manor. A funeral Mass is set for 11 a.m. Nov. 7 at St. Theresa's Church, 1394 Pleasantville Road in Briarcliff.