More detail on this person: Joseph B. Martinak
'Jay', 66, sadly passed away on September 29,
2013, after a long and courageous battle with
cancer. Jay was born in Lorain, Ohio to Joseph and
Mary Martinak, a carpenter and a homemaker who
cared lovingly for their four children. Jay
proudly served as a helicopter pilot in the
Vietnam War from 1967-1968, earning a Purple
Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and a
Bronze Star among other medals. Jay continued his
pilot career flying with Cal Fire as an aerial
firefighter eventually promoting to Chief of
Flight Operations. After retiring from Cal Fire in
December 2005, Jay worked for Dyncorp
International, Construction Helicopters and Flight
Test Aerospace. Jay leaves behind his loving wife
Alison who cared for him throughout his final
days. He is also survived by his sister Patty
Martinak, brother Phil (Sandy) Martinak, nephews
Aaron, Alec and niece Lindsey Martinak, and
step-children Kim Sheldon and Shane Reinsch. Jay
was preceded in death by his mother and father,
Mary and Joseph Martinak, brother Terry Martinak
and furry companions Shelby, Ginger and Stryker.
A private memorial will be held at Mt. Vernon
Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, if you wish,
donations can be sent to: Friends of Vinh Son
Orphanage, PO Box 9322, Auburn, CA 95604-9322
or Hinds Hospice of Merced.
Rest peacefully now my dear ...
Published in The Sacramento Bee on October 6,
2013
This information was last updated 05/18/2016
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