John William Martell passed away in Scottsdale, Arizona on October 26, 2026, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer at the age of 65.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, to William and Pauline (née Orme) Martell, John moved to the United States when he was six years old. He graduated from De La Salle High School in Walnut Creek, California, and subsequently entered the Christian Brothers as a novice before leaving the order.
He later graduated with honors from St. Mary’s College of California in 1984 with a bachelor’s degree in theology and a minor in mathematics.
John’s early entrepreneurial drive included starting a swimming-instruction business at age 12. Throughout his professional life, he worked in the insurance industry before transitioning into business consulting and executive coaching. Alongside his wife, Patricia “Patty” Peyton, he cofounded Sphere International, a leadership and sales consulting firm. He is survived by his wife, Patty; his children, Matthew, Adam (Daphne), and Gabrielle; and his siblings, Michael (Maria), Kenneth (Ellen), and Diane (Alex).
Family and friends will gather for two celebrations of John’s life in November. The first service was scheduled to take place on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Our Lady of Joy Catholic Church in Carefree, Arizona, featuring visitation from 10:30 to 11:00 a.m. followed by an 11:00 a.m. Mass and a public luncheon.
A second memorial service is scheduled for Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Visitation will run from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., with Mass following at 10:30 a.m. and a luncheon afterward.
In accordance with his wishes, attendees at the services are asked to wear bright colors to celebrate his life rather than traditional mourning attire.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be directed to the Martell-Peyton Scholarship at Emerson College, the Martell-Peyton Scholarship at St. Hubert Catholic High School for Girls in Philadelphia, or Arizona’s Children Association. Donation links will be provided with the online obituary.
