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Jerome Martino Obituary

Jerome "Jay" Martino
Resident of Cupertino
Jerome Raymond Martino, 54, of Cupertino CA, on Nov. 27. Jay was born in Waukegan IL of Florence and Ray Martino. Jay was the eldest of four; followed by Ken, Julie and Karen. He attended Waukegan High School, and received his BS in Computer Engineering from University of Illinois. Upon graduating he moved to Silicon Valley in California to begin his software engineering career. Jay worked as a software engineer for 20 years at such companies as Lockheed, Nynex, and IBM. He also received an MBA from Santa Clara University.
In 1986 Jay married Linda Heller, and in 1988 they moved to Wilton CT, where their two lovely children; Kelley - currently in graduate school at San Francisco State University, and Dylan - currently a Junior at Sonoma State University were born. In 1994 Jay and Linda moved their family to Cupertino CA. Jay was a very proud and involved father, participating in 'Y' Indian Princesses, Cub Scouts, and coaching soccer, basketball, baseball and softball.
In 2000 Jay found his true calling when he received his teaching credential from Santa Clara University and began teaching 6th grade at Stevens Creek Elementary School in Cupertino. He moved to Cupertino Middle School in 2004, where he taught 6th grade math and social studies and coached softball.Along the way Jay made many lasting friendships and will be missed by many. He had a great time traveling around the world visiting national parks, attending sporting events including eight Olympics, and many music concerts and festivals. Jay was very active as a long distance cyclist, a mountain biker, a runner, skier, scuba diver, backpacker, and river rafter.Jay passed very unexpectedly, surrounded by Linda, his loving wife of 27 years, and his children Kelley and Dylan. He never felt a thing.
The celebration of Jay's life will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 7, 2013 at The Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary located at 96 W El Camino Real in Mtn. View, CA. Services are open to the public. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made directly to The Nature Conservancy. Please sign guestbook at:

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Jose Mercury News/San Mateo County Times on Dec. 4, 2013.

Memories and Condolences
for Jerome Martino

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The Utleys

November 28, 2024

A wonder happy spirited Man!
We enjoyed seeing Jay at Stevens Creek elementary, having baseball parties in their backyard and mostly Jays charming kind smile towards all that new him! Miss you Jay!
The Utleys

Rohit Mittal

November 15, 2014

I was a student of Mr.Martino the last full year he reached, and he was and still is the best teacher I have ever had. Over the past 11 months since I learned of his passing, I have always remembered him and my treasured moments in his class. He is forever iny heart and I will never forget him

December 7, 2013

Jay will be remembered by many, his smile, his laugh and generous spirit. he was so loved, will be so missed.With our sincere sympathy.
Carol & Don Abbinanti

December 7, 2013

so very sad to learn of jay's passing. my heart goes out to the family. nothing but happy, wonderful memories of times spent with jay around the halls at cupertino middle and on the rancho trails. jay demonstrated kindness and was a positive influence to EVERYONE….to my 4 kids, as coach, teacher and yosemite chaperone. jay always made it a point to stop on the trail (even when timing a run) to ask about my kids and share what kelley and dylan were up to. i'll miss you jay!

Laurie Ferioli

December 7, 2013

I was deeply saddened by the news of Jay's passing. My heart felt condolences to you and your family.

KP Naidu

December 6, 2013

Dear Linda,

I'm so sorry to hear of Jay's passing and the tremendous loss to you and your family. May God give you and your family the strength and courage to carry you through this difficult time.

Jeff(Heffer) Nuetzmann

December 6, 2013

I am deeply saddened by the loss of jay. I will never forget his childhood friendship on Sumac, playing hot wheels,all sports, trying to get the big kids. Gone to soon. Gods peace to the Martino family.

Steve Archer

December 5, 2013

It is really difficult to say goodbye to Jay. He was one of the toughest, kindest, most open, and, nurturing, people I have had the privilege of knowing. He has engendered the fondest of memories and deepest of sorrows.

Tray Whitson

December 5, 2013

Here is how your entry will appear:



Well, reading all of these Guestbook entries, its obvious Jay was loved by and admired by many. Being one of many of Jays cousins, I was just a year younger, and as kids, we never lived very far apart. I spent my fair share of time on Sumac Ave with the Martinos. During that time I figured out I had to like him as a cousin, but I got to love him as a man..... He will be missed and my heart is bleeding for all the Martinos.

Cindy Gerjol (Madula)

December 5, 2013

To the Martino Family,

I am so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. My prayers are with all of you in this time of sadness. He is now in with dad watching over you.

Laura Bryson

December 4, 2013

I was truly saddened to hear about Jay. He was a fantastic soccer coach. He not only taught me about playing soccer and being a team player, but how to really enjoy life. I always loved hearing about his adventures to the Olympic games!! He will be truly missed and I send my love and prayers to the whole family!

Kirk & Leanne Summers

December 4, 2013

Linda,
I heard the sad news from Keith. It has been many years and I'm sorry we have fallen out of touch. From what I hear and what I read here and at Jay's school website - he certainly continued on the path he was on when we last saw you all nearly 20 years ago. By that I mean...as a great father, husband, and as a person who chose to live a full and meaningful life. The fact that he changed careers and found teaching at around age 40 is remarkable. I certainly marvel at how much living he managed to pack into those 54 years, he was an example to us all. Jay was one-of-a-kind. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.

Greg Corgain

December 4, 2013

Linda, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Ralph and Cindy Krueger

December 4, 2013

My heart and prayers go out to Jay's Family and Friends. I met Jay at Ken and Christa's in Oakland. May you find God's peace.

Chuck & Paula Groblewski

December 4, 2013

We are truly saddened to hear of Jay's passing. Jay, Scott and Rick S. were good friends with Chuck for many years. Another one of the group gone too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anu Shankar

December 3, 2013

Heartfelt condolences to the Martino family. Jay was an influential teacher in my son's middle school career and it is with immense shock that we heard the news of his passing. I hope that his family, friends and students find comfort in each other's company and their memories of him.

tet liew

December 3, 2013

Dear Mr. Martino's family,
I am sorry for your loss. I met Jay as my daughter's Math and Social Studies teaacher at Cupertino, and he is funny. "california girls" he knows what young kids like singing. My daughter just loves his class so much. Just an incredibly good teacher. The world lost a wonderful man.

Colette Askeland

December 3, 2013

I will miss seeing Jay with Daisy and Walter at the park and hearing of his latest physical challenge. We will miss being together with Linda and Jay at Pichetti sipping wine. He will be remembered fondly as the baseball coach of our kids and our friend and neighbor.

Jim Athanas

December 3, 2013

My heart and prayers go out to the entire Martino family. We lost a very dear childhood friend way too soon. "Jaybird" will always be remembered.

Nick Utley

December 2, 2013

Jay, a beautiful smile a kind heart and so generous in your giving at schools and sports .
Your warm smile to our community will always be remembered ! Praying for your family as this is such a difficult time.
Fond Memories
The Utley's

Coni Calligaro

December 2, 2013

Linda, I only met you & Jay once years ago. But I have heard your names mentioned many times by my brother, Russ. You & Jay have been the family that he needed living so far from MI. I know how much he loves you all. Gone but never forgotten Jay will live on in your memories and the faces of your children. My prayers are with you all as you go though this painful time.

Mt Rainier 2013

Russ Graves

December 2, 2013

Jay was my steadfast friend for 30 years. Many of the best memories of my adult life included Jay and Linda. I'll miss him dearly - but hope to keep his spirit alive by creating new memories and adventures in his honor.

Rich and Amanda Anhorn

December 2, 2013

To live life to its fullest will be the lasting memory we will always have of our friend Jay. Whether it be in the Bay Area, Connecticut or points in-between and around we will always remember these cherished times. A great husband, father and teacher made Jay a truly special person. Jay, you are now in the best courtside seat...right next to your biggest fan. We love you and will truly miss you. Go Illini!!!

Mark Athanas

December 2, 2013

So sorry to hear about Jay's passing and the huge loss for the entire Martino family and extended relatives/friends.

Prayers go out to all during this difficult time! God always seems to call home the best people way too early.

Jay was always a fun, happy, genuine, sincere and integral part of the Sumac gang while we were growing up together. I never saw anyone practice shooting baskets as often as Jay did! He played a great first base in softball too! :)

God's Peace and Blessings Always,

rich & cindy Hauser

December 2, 2013

A well loved teacher is a legacy that lives on. Mr. Martino will be remembered. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

CLOSED-Cusimano Family Colonial Mortuary

96 W El Camino Real, Mountain View, CA 94040

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