John Papazian Martin

John Papazian
Martin, 93
Maine Supermarket Pioneer
& Famed Restaurateur
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- John Papazian Martin, founder of Martin's Food Supermarkets and John Martin Restaurants, passed away in Boca Raton, Fla., on Nov. 13, 2010, of natural causes. He was 93.
John Martin was born on Aug. 25, 1917. He was the son of Armenian immigrants who came to Portland in the early 1900s. He attended Portland High School and enlisted in the Army and became part of a great generation who served in World War II.
Upon returning from service John started the 20th Century Supermarket on Congress Street working with George Amergian. At that time Augustus 'Gus' Barber, the future founder of Barber Foods joined the team. John and Gus became lifelong friends and business partners. John was recognized early for his unique creative merchandising skills and soon caught the eye of Walter Whittier the CEO of Hannaford Brothers. John forged a relationship with Hannaford Brothers and has been credited along with his chain of supermarkets in Maine and Vermont for being the early economic foundation of the rise of Hannaford Brothers.
In the early 1970s John sold his interests in his supermarkets to Hannaford Brothers and began his second career in the restaurant business, creating John Martin's Restaurants. The restaurant business was John's first love and over the next 10 years he developed a chain of restaurants and motels in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. John translated his merchandising and business skills from the grocery business into his restaurants creating a lasting impression within the restaurant industry. John's attention to detail and always striving for perfection became a hallmark of his business legacy. In 1985 he sold his restaurants and divided his time between Maine and Florida where he eventually retired.
Over the years John created thousands of jobs for his many associates and was always proud when years later many opened and owned their own successful restaurants. John lived a long, successful and full life and often said he had no regrets. His life in Boca Raton was spent with his devoted wife Liza and they shared many years of happiness together. John was an amazing man. We will all miss him and we're blessed to have had him as part of our lives.
John was predeceased by his first wife of many years, Sybil A. Martin. He is survived by his beloved wife Liza Martin of Boca Raton, Fla.; his children, Andrea Martin of New York, Marcia Martin and her husband Manuel Galaviz of Toronto, Peter Martin and wife Melinda Martin of Winslow, Katelyn Martin of Boston; and grandchildren, Jack and Joe Dolman of Los Angeles and Emily and Molly Martin of Winslow.
A memorial Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m., at St. Jude Church, 21689 Toledo Rd., in Boca Raton.
In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory can be sent to:
Hospice by the Sea
1531 W. Palmetto Park Rd.
Boca Raton, Florida 33486
John Papazian
Martin