George Martinec, Sr. Obituary (1918 - 2018)

George Martinec, Sr., age 99, of Big Flats, NY died Friday, February 16, 2018 at his home in Big Flats. George was born on May 11, 1918 in Johnstown, PA to Andrew and Anna (Kubis) Martinec. He married Anna Panaro on November 27, 1947 in St. Benedict, PA and was predeceased by her on March 11, 2011. He served in the United States Army during World War II. He was employed as an upholstery instructor at the Hiram G. Andrews Center in Johnstown, PA. He was an avid golfer and pool player with a patent on the game, Bo-Bank Pool. George, known to many as Pap, will be remembered as humble, courageous and kind. He is survived by his daughter Anita (Johnny) Slovak of Tucson, AZ; two sons, George (Jo Ann Siska) Martinec of Corning and Jeffrey (Suzanne Williams) Martinec of Uniontown, PA; brother, Robert Martinec of Arcade, NY; grandchildren, Elisabeth Martinec, Wendy Christmas, Brian Martinec, Katherine Gee, Joanna Martinec, Alex Martinec, Shaun Martinec, Timothy Martinec, Stephanie Cooper, Andrew Hawiszczak, and Matthew Hawiszczak; fifteen great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by eleven siblings. The family would like to recognize the following special friends; Marshall and Jan Updike, David Kennedy, Pat and Bob Beiswinger, and loving care-giver, Angela Fratarcangelo. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 23rd at 10 AM at St. Mary's Church, 155 State Street in Corning with Father Lewis Brown officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. There will not be any public calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at stjude.org George's family entrusted his care to Haughey Funeral Home, Inc.