John Martino

John Nicholas "Johnny" Martino, 87, of Greensburg, went to be with the lord Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, from Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg, surrounded by his loving family. "Everyone was special to him." He was born Aug. 20, 1924, at Hannastown, the son of the late Ernesto and Marian (Matro) Martino. He was a member of the Blessed Sacrament Cathedral. He was a World War II veteran of the Army, landed on Normandy, Omah Beach the first hour. He was in active duty from 1944 to 1945. He saw action with the 81st Chemical Mortar Battalion in France and Germany, was vice president for the 81st Veterans Association for 25 years and president for nine years, planning reunions at various cities across the United States and Hawaii. He was awarded five Bronze Stars, Purple Heart, World War II Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Metal. He came home and was employed as an auto technician for Chrysler Products until he retired. He was married for 64 happy years to Hilda (Darko) Martino. He is survived by his wife and many loving members of his and his wife's families. He and his wife traveled extensively, visiting relatives and friends from the military all over the United States and Europe. He had many hobbies, including making handmade clocks, playing accordion and organ, often playing as a one-man band. He played at many weddings, parties and was a regular performer at the area's rest homes where he was very popular and known as the "Polka Man". His special love was bringing joy into the lives of those who were alone in the world. As a performer in the musical group, "Spark of Life", John and the members of Spark of Life became a close and loving family among themselves. He enjoyed cooking and being with people he loved. And eating, especially with his friends at Monica's Spaghetti House Restaurant on Route 22. He will be missed by the hundreds of family and friends whose lives he touched and made better. His wife would like to give special appreciation to the Greensburg Ambulance and North Hempfield Fire Department. Family and friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at KEPPLE-GRAFT FUNERAL HOME, 524 N. Main St., Greensburg. Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral at 9:30 a.m. Friday. Entombment will follow at Twin Valley Memorial Park with military honors conducted by VFW Post 33. Terence L. Graft, funeral director, entrusted with the arrangements. For online condolences and information, visit www.kepplegraft.com or www.remembranceprocess.com.

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