Sam S. Martino's Obituary
Sam S. Martino, 92, of Syracuse, passed away Wednesday, June 10, 2014 at James Square Nursing Home. He was born on October 1, 1921 to the late Andre and Concetta Martino in Syracuse, NY where he grew up and attended school. Sam enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1940 and was discharged in 1945. His service included over two years of overseas duty, first with the army engineers and then in the infantry. While serving in the military he was involved in the research and development of improved camouflage uniforms and other combat related innovations, as well as having been a driver for Generals Prosser and Shedd.
After his discharge from the Army, Mr. Martino owned and operated a vehicle repair/used car enterprise for several years. In the early 1950's he took a position in the engineering division of New Process Gear. His expertise in electronics and heat treating of metals enabled him to improve the process used to manufacture transmission cases. Throughout his life, Sam was noted for his ability to repair almost anything electrical or mechanical. It was not uncommon for him to design and create component parts needed to effect a repair. Sam left New Process Gear in 1957 to form his own electronics concern. In 1967 he branched out in auto sales and stock trading, retiring in 1984.
He was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Madeline L. (Masterpole) Martino in 2006; his parents, and brothers, John, Joseph and Edward Martino. Sam is survived by his daughter, Barbara A. Whitaker of Paradise Valley, AZ; his son, Samuel (Pamela) Martino, Jr. of Camillus; his grandchildren, James Martino, Mike Martino and Elizabeth (John) Martino-Graham; a great-granddaughter, Jayden Martino; his brothers, Andrew Martino and Arthur (Patricia) Martino; a sister, Anne Martino Loiacono; step-siblings, Anthony (Marie) Pappalardo and Mary Pappalardo Lee, along with many nieces and nephews. Sam will also be missed by his dear friend, Evelyn Cramer.
A funeral mass in celebration of Sam's life will be held on Friday, June 13, 2014 at Noon in Our Lady of Pompei/St. Peter Church. Entombment will follow at Assumption Cemetery in the family mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Sam's memory may be made to The Humane Association of CNY, 4915 West Taft Road, Liverpool, NY 13088.
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