John Patrick Martin

1934 - 2010

John Patrick Martin, 75, a longtime resident of San Pedro, passed away at San Pedro Hospital on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 of cardiac arrest. Born at San Pedro Hospital on November 24, 1934 to Matthew Martin (Demerit) and Elizabeth O'Connell Martin, John graduated from San Pedro High in the summer of '52. John served in the Air Force from 1953-1957 and was stationed for two of those years at the Rhine Main AFB, Germany in the 7366th Radar Evaluation SQ. He received his BS from UCLA in 1960, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. John was married at the Wayfarer's Chapel in 1960 to Jan Gray (divorced after 42 years). John received his MBA from USC. He retired from Garrett Air Research and then formed Management Sciences Company. John was an avid bicyclist and belonged to the Palos Verdes Bike Club. He enjoyed traveling to Mexico, Europe, Turkey, Egypt, Russia and China. John was a lifelong athlete and sports enthusiast. In his later years, the highlight of his life was watching his grandchildren participate in gymnastics, dance, soccer, baseball and basketball. He also loved meeting new people and talking with them. John was an excellent writer and his favorite hobby was writing strongly worded letters to whomever offended or irritated him (including the Daily Breeze). He enjoyed eating at the Lighthouse Deli and spending time at the Cabrillo Beach breakwater. His brothers, James (Jimmy), Matthew (Bud) and Robert (Bob) Martin preceded John in death. His son, Jay Martin, daughter, Jenna Bunnell (David), sister, Lucille Van Buskirk (Don), sister-in-law, Tomie Martin (Blanche Layana.), stepsister, Nives Duca, nephew, Jimmy Martin (Julie) and Jan Martin survive him. Grandchildren, Bronwyn Bunnell and Rhys Bunnell also survive John. Family will be having a private memorial. Donations in John's name may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society at leukemia-lymphoma.org.