Obituary of Samuel A. Martinez

Samuel A. Martinez, age 76, formally of Grand Rapids, MI passed away in Herndon, VA Sunday, July 6, 2008 following an extended illness with his loved ones at his side. He was born on November 23, 1931 in Pittock, PA to the late Belen and Cecelia Martinez. Sam had two full careers in his lifetime, the first 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, retiring as a master sergeant and decorated veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars. Then he went on to a second career in education for 20 years in the Grand Rapids Public Schools, while earning his Masters Degree from Michigan State University, and retiring with both Principal and Teacher of the Year Awards. In his retirement he volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Goodwill in Grand Rapids. Sam was the loving and devoted father of David Martinez of Costa mesa, CA, Sandy Martinez, Sue Martinez Hueper and her husband Paul, Jennifer Burstein and her husband Ray, all of Northern Virginia, proud grandfather of Hannah, Samantha and Jamie, brother of Bea Mogan, Fran Foley and her husband Jim, both of Pennsylvania and Joseph Martinez and his wife Dottie of Nevada. The family will receive friends on Thursday, July 10 th from 6-8pm at Adams-Green Funeral Home, 721 Elden Street, Herndon, VA, where a prayer service will be held on Friday, July 11 th at 11am. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 3 rd at 12:45pm at Fort Myer Chapel. Interment with Military Honors will immediately follow at Arlington National Cemetery. The family suggests that memorial contributions may be made to Vietnam Veterans Assistance Fund, 8605 Cameron Street, Suite 400, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910.