Obituary of John David Martin

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.