Joseph P. Martinec

Joseph P. Martinec, 78, of Harrisburg, died Friday, Jan. 16, in his home. He was the husband of Grace M. (Gaudio) Martinec.

Born in Coaldale, he was a graduate of the former Coaldale High School and served in the Air Force during the Korean Conflict.

He was a retired aircraft mechanic.

He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Harrisburg.

Among his survivors are a son, two daughters; two sisters, Helen Hand and Pauline Melnick, both of Towson, Md.; a brother John of Hatboro; and six grandchildren.

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This obit has more infor than the Times News.

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Joseph P. "Whitey" Martinec, 78, of Harrisburg, passed away Friday, January 16, 2009 at his home. He was born June 22, 1930, in Coaldale, PA.

He was a graduate of Coaldale High School, a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War, and a retired aircraft mechanic from the Defense Distribution Center, New Cumberland. He was a member of St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, Susquehanna Lions Club, and the American Legion Post 1001. He volunteered at St. Margaret Mary School, helping with lunch and recess, where the kids called him PopPop. He also coached football and basketball at St. Margaret Mary, and coached girls' softball for Susquehanna Twp.

Surviving is his wife, Grace M. (Gaudio) Martinec; son, Anthony Martinec, and his wife, Janet, of Harrisburg; 2 daughters, Gina Martinec Fox, and significant other, Steve Brutzman, of Rocky Mount, NC, and Elizabeth Martinec Elliott, and husband, Bruce, of Harrisburg; 2 sisters, Helen Hand, and Pauline Melnick, both of Towson, MD; brother, John Martinec, of Hatboro; 6 grandchildren, Keri Fox, A.J. Martinec, Augustus Martinec, Andrea Fox, Gavin Elliott and Sarah Grace Elliott.

A viewing will be held 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Wednesday, January 21, 2009 in Neill Funeral Home, 3501 Derry St., Harrisburg.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Thursday, January 22, 2009 in St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 2848 Herr St., Harrisburg. Burial will be at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Margaret Mary School, 2826 Herr St., Harrisburg, 17103.

www.pennlive.com/obits

Published in the Patriot-News, Harrisburg, PA, on 1/20/2009