Obituary of Stephen Joseph Martin

Stephen Joseph Martin, 89, of Luzerne passed away on Monday, October 24 at the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Wilkes-Barre. Born in Wilkes-Barre, he was the son of the late Stephen J and Anna Wishnefski Martin. He was a Technical Sargeant in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II, serving in Europe and Northern Africa. He graduated from Luzerne High School and Temple University in Philadelphia with a Master of Science in Education. For twenty years he was a teacher at Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational-Technical School in Plains Twp, where he designed the Multi-Media program and studio. He was on the Executive Board of Penn Mountain Council, Boy Scouts of America in Wilkes-Barre, where he received the Silver Beaver Award and St. George Award, the council's highest adult scouting service awards. He was a member of the Chapel of the Four Chaplains Honor Society, Holy Family Parish, Luzerne and a lifelong Eucharistic Minister. He was a member of Assumpta Council 3987, since 1981was past grand night, singing knights. Our Lady of Czestochowa Assembly 1928, was currently the Faithful Comptroller, past faithful navigator. Stephen also belonged to Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 283 in Kingston and Disabled American Veterans, Chapter 102 in Kingston. He was preceded in death by sisters Dolores Martin and Lillian Abbott. He is survived by his wife the former Rita Dress, children Stephen J. Martin and wife Rebecca, Donna Martin-Langtry and husband Douglas, Paul Martin and wife Kathy; grandchildren Cassandra Langtry and Brian Martin; also a sister Helen Kester and many nieces and nephews. Funeral will be held on Friday at 9:30 AM from the Betz-Jastremski Funeral Home, Inc. 568 Bennett St. Luzerne with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM in Holy Family Parish, Luzerne, with Rev. Michael Zipay officiating. Interment will be in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Carverton. Friends may call on Thursday from 5-8 PM. In lieu of flowers donation can be made to Holy Family Parish Building Fund. 574 Rear Bennett St. Luzerne, PA 18709 To light a virtual candle or leave a message of condolence for his family, please visit www.betzjastremski.com.