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John David "Coach" MARTIN Sr.

1933 - 2017

John David "Coach" MARTIN Sr. obituary, 1933-2017, Tucson, AZ

BORN

1933

DIED

2017

FUNERAL HOME

Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

1050 N. Dodge Blvd

Tucson, Arizona

John MARTIN Obituary

MARTIN, John David, Sr. "Coach" 12/19/1933 - 08/19/2017 John David Martin, age 83, died with his beloved family by his side. He leaves his wife, Antoinette "Toni" of 62 years and their 11 children, Jeff (Eileen), Andrea, Annette (Dicky), Danny (Lauri), Paula (Mike), Brenda (Pete), Gina (Peter), Maria (John), Lisa (Alfonso), Elena (Thomas), J.D. (Ardemis) and 26 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren. John was a star basketball and football athlete at St. Mary's High School in Waltham, MA scoring 64 points in one basketball game leading his team to state tournament in Boston. After high school, John attended Boston College. John coached flag football, basketball, and track at St. Cyril's School for 14 years with many first place trophies. In his honor, the school created the John D. Martin athletic award still given each year to the 8th grade male and female top athlete of the year. Later, John was Director of Athletics for Catholic Diocese of Tucson. He loved the University of Arizona Wildcats, New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. He had an immense love for sports and coaching, earning his nickname of Coach. He loved watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their sports endeavors. John loved deep-sea fishing in Mexico, with his family, friends, fellow firefighters, and nephews. John volunteered with St. Vincent de Paul Society for 20 years and was best known for his humanitarian work, as he loved providing aid to the orphanages in Mexico and feeding the hungry in Tucson. He was a Korean War Veteran in The United States Marine Corps and was a retired captain with Tucson Fire Department. He will be remembered as a gentle man. He spent his life serving others. Donations may be given to Last Alarm Foundation, P.O. Box 18408, Tucson AZ 85731. A Visitation will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. at St. Cyril Catholic Parish. Funeral Mass will also be held at St. Cyril Catholic Parish on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Dodge Chapel.
Published by Arizona Daily Star on Aug. 23, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for John MARTIN

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YOUR NUMBER #1 DAUGHTER ANDREA

September 15, 2017

I miss you PAPA right now, every day, until we meet again I can't wait to see you. I'm finally out of the denial stage, and trying to walk in the path you lead us on. I gotta tell you the love I have for you is way more now WOW. I'm so so proud of the amazing human being that God created in you thru your faith. I love bragging about your kindness to any and all you came in contact with. I mean sleeping with the homeless in operation deep freeze really how many hearts and souls you touched is miraculous, rich, poor, race, religion you had the magic touch. I am beyond honored to be chosen to have you as my Papa Bear. Pops thanks for letting me talk to you, so if you see me here on earth talking to myself I'm talking to you. Good Night PAPA I know you know how much I love you.

Tim Confer

August 31, 2017

My memories of St. Cyrils's are of wonderful people, friends, and an excellent Christian education. Coach Martin was a big part of the St. Cyril's experience.I wasn't very good at sports. I would have quit hadn't my Mom kept me going. Mostly, I would have to explain to Coach why I quit. I received my fair share of those monster sneakers he wore. I won't forget the night of the awards ceremony when Coach presented me the most improved trophy. No words to say how proud I was. Coach Martin instilled enough confidence in me to continue in high school sports. My senior year I made the state meet in pole vaulting.Ocassionally I sit in the St. Cyril's parking lot. The school and football field seem so small today. But I know the values I took from there help me be a decent person. Great men like Coach Martin made all that possible.Prayers and condolences for Andrea and Annette, and all the Martin family.Tim Confer SCS. 1963-71

ROBERT AUGUST

August 30, 2017

COACH MARTIN ALWAYS HAD TIME TO SAY HI HE JUST SEEMED TO ALWAYS HAVE TIME FOR OTHERS. I NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO WORK FOR HIM BUT MAYBE IN ANOTHER LIFE.GOD BLESS JOB WELL DONE.

Mandy Nagore

August 28, 2017

I will miss seeing him in the store and his warm hugs! My thoughts and prayers are with you all! XOXO Mandy Nagore :)

Edward Doran

August 28, 2017

So very sorry to hear- many fond memories of the Martin family as I was growing up. Condolences to the entire family.

Ed and Sunny Doran

August 27, 2017

We have fond memories of Coach Martin from living down the street from the Martins, to purchasing an old truck from him in the late 1960s, him paying a tribute at Don Vosberg's funeral mass, and his continued love and friendship. He was a great man.

May your memories get you through this tough time. Blessings to all of you.

David Tramp, Patty Vosberg Pope, Christy Tramp-Erickson, DJ Tramp, Cindy Tramp-Franks, Don Tramp and families

Kathy (Lupo) cole

August 26, 2017

Coach Martin, Was a wonderful man to know. He was a great husband, Father, grandfather and great great grandfather, best friend. But most importantly, He was a man to look up to. Coach was a coach to me, and my siblings. Mr.Martin and his children, grew up with my siblings and myself. If I had one word to describe Coach, it would be INSPIRATION. When my father died, Coach and Mrs. Martin , came to see him, and Coach started to cry and I was standing next to him. he looked down at me and said " I just loss my best friend". I like to think we all lost Mr. Martin as our best friend.

Chris Harrison

August 26, 2017

I just returned from "Big Johns" funeral mass. Throughout the beautiful service, I kept looking at the packed house, standing room only, and thought of Jeff's words: "My Dad speaks for himself"...so too the legions of his admirers. Count myself front and center. I remember John's size 13 Converse sneaker motivations throughout my Junior High years at St. Cyril's. I never played for him, but was in his P.E. class.
Later after high school, I returned and coached at the school for 9 years. I was a weekly visitor at the Martin home, seeking advice...but mostly hanging with Danny and the family. Great memories with them all, and a man who would be both a mentor, and a father figure for decades till this day and beyond.
I was never the coach he was, and still today, I strive to be half the man he was. And what a family! Toni was always a warm welcoming presence, and the family followed suit without missing a beat.
So here's to you Coach. I hope you enjoyed the outpouring of love this week...you richly deserve it. To the family: He lives on through you...so he'll always be here in some shape or form. To Toni: A true partner, mother, nurterer and role model better than you has never lived. God Bless you all.

LOVE and best wishes,

Chris Harrison

Tim Sheehan

August 25, 2017

"Coach" was a great example of what it meant to be good. Thanks for all your service as a first responder. Many thanks for giving your time to shape and lead so many young people as we passed thru St. Cyril's. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Martin family as they say their good byes to John "Coach" Martin.

Brock Sheridan

August 25, 2017

My sincere thoughts and prayers for the Martin family on the passing of "Coach" Martin. He was a great inspiration and taught lessons that I continue to carry with me today.

I think my teammates and I would be able to fill a month with fond stories and memories about "Coach" Martin.

I would also like to thank "Coach" for his years of service to the City of Tucson as a fire fighter and first responder.

Rest in Peach "Coach" and thank you.

Mary Ann

August 25, 2017

My deepest condolences to "Mom", and the amazing Martin family.
I pray you will all remember the LOVE and STRENGTH he has always shown to help carry you through this difficult time.
He is a true angel and will always be with you.

Joey Lupo

August 24, 2017

Coach is the other hero in my life besides my dad. They were great friends. Mrs Martin and family I just want to thank you all for letting him be our COACH. All through my life coach was with me "When the going gets tough the tough get going"
My coach was a man's man. I will always love coach. I believe his love will always be with all of us who loved our coach

Joey Lupo
SC 1960-1968

Stephanie D

August 24, 2017

To Lisa and her family,
It was a blessing to know John and his wife, he was such an amazing man .. i admire the love the family has for one another and how close they are as a family, i love seeing them at frys as they shopped.. they were always so positive and friendly just like Lisa... John will be missed, heaven has one more angel.. rest in peace John

August 24, 2017

I am sorry for the lost of your dear love one. May the God of peace and comfort be with the family at this most difficult time. 2 Corinthains 1:3,4.

Sharena B-Chicago, Illinois

Helen Edwards

August 24, 2017

My deepest condolences to Mom Toni and all the family.

Julie Castro

August 24, 2017

My deepest condolences to Toni and all of the Martin family for the lost of your beloved husband, father and grandfather! Coach will b deeply missed and remembered on a daily basis. Know that he is looking down from heaven praying for all as u begin this part of your journey ❤❤

Jennifer Giffen Martin

August 24, 2017

So blessed to have been a part of this beautiful man's life. Your smile. Your love. Your patience. Your acceptance for all of mankind. Your humanity. Your humor. Your stories. You will always hold one of the most special places in my heart. I will miss you forever, but a true legend never dies. Sending my love to all.

Sincerely,
Jennifer Giffen Martin

Ruth Furfaro

August 23, 2017

John was a very special man who lived life to the fullest. And he lit up the way as he went, and touched many lives. Love, prayers and hugs to you, Toni, and your family.

August 23, 2017

I am so sad to hear this, John and Toni would come to my h20 classes and I would always ask for advice about raising teenagers. I would love to hear there stories about the girls and all the funny stuff they would do. I loved to watch how John would always help Toni out of the pool, the love they had for each other was the sweetest. You are one of a kind John and it was a honor to know you. You will be greatly missed by all. Much love to you, Toni and your amazing family. Jenni Avram (Desert sports instructor)

Laurel & Mike Parvis

August 23, 2017

Maria, John & Family and the entire Martin Family,

What a beautiful tribute! We are deeply and sincerely sorry for the loss of your father. He'll always be watching over you and be in your hearts forever. We will keep you and your family close in our thoughts and prayers. May God bless you and comfort you during this time.

Peggy Guerrero

August 23, 2017

John could make a place better just by his being there. What a privilege to say that I knew him.

August 23, 2017

My sincere condolences to Toni and the Martin family. You were blessed with such an amazing man in your lives and how many lives he touched/influenced throughout his life..such a blessing. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

God Bless - Diana Boyd-Maidesil

August 23, 2017

Such a beautiful life and a wonderful man who displayed a great example for others. Lots of love to the Martin Family.

Love,

The Aguirre's

Patricia O'Neill

August 23, 2017

Toni, Elena, JD and Martin Family,
A life lived beautifully! Truly a treasure and role model for all his family. Rest in Peace, John.

Fernando Cardenas

August 23, 2017

My Heart sheds a tear as I read this obit. John saved my rear end many times when I was employed at Hughes Aircraft many years ago. He walked with me as I began my new life and inspired me. I hope to carry on the message of HOPE that he instilled in me. GOD Speed Buddy, I will miss you and your laugh.

Brian Edwards

August 23, 2017

We are a really going to miss the Coach. I wish that just one more time, Coach could call me a hot dog or a hamburger. It wouldn't be complete without one more swift kick in the rear from his size seventeen Chuck Taylor sneakers. (How could those be called sneakers)? Rest in peace Coach, it is well deserved.
Brian Edwards SCS 1970

Tommy Thompson

August 23, 2017

What a great human being! Thoughts and prayers are with the entire Martin family! God Bless!

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

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Memorial Events
for John MARTIN

Aug

25

Visitation

6:00 p.m.

St. Cyril Catholic Parish

AZ

Aug

25

Rosary

7:00 p.m.

St. Cyril Catholic Parish

AZ

Aug

26

Funeral Mass

10:00 a.m.

St. Cyril Catholic Parish

AZ

Funeral services provided by:

Adair Funeral Home - Dodge Chapel

1050 N. Dodge Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85716

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