Mira S. Martincich

Dr. Mira Martincich was born in Brooklyn in 1953 to Emily and Peter Martincich. She was the oldest of

4 children. Mira moved to Queens at a young age and grew up with her brother John and later with

her twin sisters Laura and Joanne.

Mira attended Francis Lewis High School where she was very active in athletics and was member of the

“Leaders” club where she became passionate about sports, team spirit and fostering deep friendships

that remained with her throughout her life. She was an excellent student and excelled in academics,

especially in science.

Mira then went on to receive her undergraduate degree from Queens College. As before, Mira was an

exemplary student, graduating magna cum laude while participating in many team sports and focusing

on others as she added to her long list of lifelong friends. She then continued her degrees earning her

master’s degree from West Chester State University and her doctorate from St. John’s University.

During her career, Mira was a Physical Education teacher, Science teacher and Assistant Principal and

then the Director of Physical Education, Athletics and Recreation at Roslyn Public Schools for 20 years.

Her devotion to her students, colleagues and sports was never ending. Mira’s focus was always on fair

play and instilling the concept of “we, not I” in all her students. She was particularly involved in

ensuring women’s sports remained in the forefront and on equal footing with the men’s sports. She

was loved by her students and colleagues who also remained close friends through the years.

Mira served on the New York High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) Modified Committee and

was also President of Section VIII Athletic Council as well as President of Section VIII High School

Athletic Association. Over two decades she coached field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, and

volleyball, and officiated in three of those sports. Mira was a recipient of the 2014 NYSAAA

Administrator of the Year Award for Section VIII, the NYSAAA Apple Appreciation Award, and the

NYSAHPERD Council of Administrators Physical Education Director of the Year Award.

Mira’s love of children and giving spirit remained her focus even after she retired. She would always

be there for her friends and family, giving her time and attention whenever needed. Mira was devoted

to all members of her family that later included her nephew Joseph and niece Hayle. She was

especially devoted to her mother and sister Joanne as she battled cancer for many years.

Mira was also famous for making chocolate for any occasion – birthdays, weddings, bridal showers,

baby showers, or any other event. She always found exactly the right chocolate molds to fit the

occasion, and painstakingly made all the pieces of different types of chocolate. These were carefully

arranged in hand selected printed boxes, with the exact color ribbon perfectly tied every time! She

began making these for friends, and then for her friends’ children and more recently grandchildren!

She never said no and gave herself completely to whatever she did.

Mira also loved to travel. She visited countless countries and continents from Europe to Asia and the

Middle East. Mira was always up for an adventure and her bags were always packed and ready to go.

She loved the Olympics and would stop whatever she was doing for 2 weeks to watch all the events

and pageantry. Mira made sure she visited many cities that hosted the Olympics during her travels.

Two years ago, Mira survived a stroke that left her with some cognitive challenges. This never

deterred her giving spirit or perseverance. She worked hard thru various therapy programs. Even after

her stroke, she remained the consummate student and continued doing her “homework” every day.

She would walk miles a day and even go to the library to try and read about topics that she was

weakest in. Even during this time, Mira would make sure she found exactly the right gift or the right

card for all her friends and their families. Her positive spirit, boundless generosity and loving heart will

be greatly missed.

Mira is predeceased by her father Peter and sister Joanne. She is survived by her mother Emily,

brother John, sister Laura, nephew Joseph and niece Hayle.

A visitation for Mira will be held Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Frederick Funeral Home, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. A visitation will occur Wednesday, November 16, 2022 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, 192-15 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, NY 11358. A funeral mass will occur Thursday, November 17, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St Thomas More Church, St John's University, 80-00 Utopia Parkway, Jamaica, NY 11439.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.frederick-fh.com for the Martincich family.