Joseph B. Martinak ‘Jay’, 66, sadly passed away on September 29, 2013, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Jay was born in Lorain, Ohio to Joseph and Mary Martinak, a carpenter and a homemaker who cared lovingly for their four children. Jay proudly served as a helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968, earning a Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and a Bronze Star among other medals. Jay continued his pilot career flying with Cal Fire as an aerial firefighter eventually promoting to Chief of Flight Operations. After retiring from Cal Fire in December 2005, Jay worked for Dyncorp International, Construction Helicopters and Flight Test Aerospace. Jay leaves behind his loving wife Alison who cared for him throughout his final days. He is also survived by his sister Patty Martinak, brother Phil (Sandy) Martinak, nephews Aaron, Alec and niece Lindsey Martinak, and step-children Kim Sheldon and Shane Reinsch. Jay was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and Joseph Martinak, brother Terry Martinak and furry companions Shelby, Ginger and Stryker. A private memorial will be held at Mt. Vernon Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, if you wish, donations can be sent to: Friends of Vinh Son Orphanage, PO Box 9322, Auburn, CA 95604-9322 or Hinds Hospice of Merced. Rest peacefully now my dear .
Published in The Sacramento Bee on October 6, 2013