Obituary for
John Martakis
John Martakis passed away on the morning of September 19, 2023 and was reunited with his family waiting to welcome him to Heaven. John lived a full and memorable life and was a devoted husband, son, brother, cousin and friend. The son of Emma and George Martakis of Brooklyn, NY, John was born on August 5, 1944, where he was raised, and attended Brooklyn schools taking a variety of classes and developing numerous interests that stayed with him throughout his life.
On November 6, 1988, John married Diane, née Pasanello, and together they made a loving home for over 34 years, with Jesse and Jackson starting in Brooklyn and then eventually moving to Long Island. John’s interests were varied including sky diving, ball room dancing, biking and skiing.
John was very proud of his military service, which had its genesis when he was six years old. He developed a fascination and love for aviation as a child, which led to his working for Republic Aviation and Douglas Aircraft. He was especially proud of helping build T-105’s, F-4’s, F-105 Thunderbirds, DC-8’s and DC-9’s. When he was drafted into the Army, John attended Jump School at Fort Benning, Georgia and was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division 2/505 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. John proudly served his country with the First Calvary 2/5 in An Khe, Vietnam.
John was a model of warmth and grace, a relentless provider, as well as a driving, creative force. He was a compassionate and selfless person who gave generously to those in need, served his community and was a rock to all who were privileged to be his friend. John was very proud of his best bud Jesse who, after intense training, became the first therapy dog at LIJ Children’s Hospital in Long Island, NY, where he was a beloved companion and entertainer to adolescent and young adults in the oncology unit.
John was a lover of many things, but books and movies were a big part of how he lived and loved. In his own words John summed up what he felt was important,
“Have the heart for your passion and you will fulfill your dreams!
Rudy had nothing but heart,
Harry had a passion,
October Sky was a dream.”
