John L. Martin

John L. Martin, Jr. went peacefully to be with his heavenly father on Thursday, December 20, 2012 surrounded by his loving family. He was 87. John was born and raised in the Logan section of Philadelphia and attended Roman Catholic Boys High School before joining the military. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army during World War II where he served a tour in Central Europe. Married in 1949 to the love of his life Elizabeth, they moved their family to Levittown in 1953. In 1962 they settled for good in Middletown Township and raised 10 children together. Jack, as he was known by relatives and close friends, worked for RCA for many years as well as running his own TV repair business from the family home. In later years Jack attended LaSalle University and Temple University where he earned his teaching degree. Mr. Martin was a well liked and respected electrical teacher for the Middle Bucks Vocational Technical School in Jamison, PA for over 20 years from which he retired. He was a hard worker and good provider throughout his life. Jack was a devoted son, brother, husband, father and pop-pop; he definitely was a family man. He has enjoyed the company of 29 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren who will all miss him dearly. Jack enjoyed vacations in Hawaii with his wife and friends along with weekend picnics with family and friends in Pipersville. He also loved Big Band music, sports and was an automobile enthusiast. He was always cheering for the Phillies or the Eagles and always had a new car. Jack was very proud of his 50 plus years as a member of Queen of the Universe Parish and the Knights of Columbus, St. Joseph the Worker Council #4215. Son of the late John L. Martin Sr. and Loretta Martin (Curren), he was preceded in death by his sister Anne Martin, his brother Joseph F. Martin and his grandson Luke Joseph Martin. Jack is survived by his beloved wife Elizabeth MJ Martin (Wurtz) whom he was dedicated to for 63 years. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Martin (Joan) of Philadelphia; his loving sisters, Therese Lehigh of Sheridan, AR, Loretta Brown (Jim) of Souderton, PA and Claire Guinther (Les) of Perkasie, PA. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his children Betty Jane Martin, John L. Martin III (Jaclyn), Margie Tompkins (Ray), Michael Martin (Marianne), Anne Crate (Steve), Therese Asta (Tom), Stephen Martin (Lisa), Edward Martin (Lisa), Mary LoStracco (Anthony), and Joseph Martin (Heather). He is also survived and will be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and good friends. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday from 1:00 until 4:00 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. at the James J. Dougherty Funeral Home, Inc., 2200 Trenton Rd., Levittown. His funeral mass will be celebrated on Friday, 10:00 a.m. at at Queen of the Universe Church, 2443 Trenton Rd., Levittown, PA 19056 followed by Rite of Committal in Washington Crossing National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the church.