Obituary for Gaylord G. Martanis
Gaylord G. Martanis, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2022, in Excela Health Westmoreland Hospital, Greensburg. He was born May 16, 1931, in McKeesport, to Peter and Frances (Greco) Maturkanic.
Gaylord was a member of St. Agnes Church in North Huntingdon. He was a Navy veteran, having served aboard the USS Albany and the USS New Jersey during the Korean War. He enjoyed fixing anything that clanged and banged, and applied his mechanical skills at all the local newspaper Linotype machines for 25 years. As the Linotypes were replaced by newer technologies, he transitioned these skills as a machinist into the tool and die making industry. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 701.
He was the best soup maker in the family, winning a local Irwin soup contest in his 80s. Grampy will be sorely missed for many reasons, including his ability to converse comfortably with anyone and offer up his amazing red sauce with chicken (chicken cacciatore) enjoyed by all family and friends.
Gaylord was a living testament that the power of prayer works miracles. He was devoted to his faith and more so in his later years, spent much time viewing EWTN, praying the rosary, penning his own prayers and filling his notebook of prayers with anyone who was in need of special intentions.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Evelyn (Derry) Martanis and son-in-law Dale Grubbs. He is survived by his brother Richard Martukanitz and family, daughters, Lisa (Mark) Shumard, and Dana Grubbs; grandchildren Anthony (Gina), T.C. and Danielle; great-grandchildren, Eloise, Violet and Oscar and daughter at heart, Beth (Lou) Chillinsky and family, as well as a host of extended family and friends. The family would like to thank his angels from Excela Health Home Care & Hospice, Tamica and Tina, and the doctors, nurses and staff on the 3rd floor of Westmoreland Hospital who gave our beloved Dad & Grampy the best care in his last months and days. A funeral mass at St. Agnes Church will take place in the future, due to current renovations. To offer a condolence or remembrance, please visit ottfuneralhome.com.
Gaylord was a member of St. Agnes Church in North Huntingdon. He was a Navy veteran, having served aboard the USS Albany and the USS New Jersey during the Korean War. He enjoyed fixing anything that clanged and banged, and applied his mechanical skills at all the local newspaper Linotype machines for 25 years. As the Linotypes were replaced by newer technologies, he transitioned these skills as a machinist into the tool and die making industry. He was a member of the American Legion, Post 701.
He was the best soup maker in the family, winning a local Irwin soup contest in his 80s. Grampy will be sorely missed for many reasons, including his ability to converse comfortably with anyone and offer up his amazing red sauce with chicken (chicken cacciatore) enjoyed by all family and friends.
Gaylord was a living testament that the power of prayer works miracles. He was devoted to his faith and more so in his later years, spent much time viewing EWTN, praying the rosary, penning his own prayers and filling his notebook of prayers with anyone who was in need of special intentions.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 46 years, Evelyn (Derry) Martanis and son-in-law Dale Grubbs. He is survived by his brother Richard Martukanitz and family, daughters, Lisa (Mark) Shumard, and Dana Grubbs; grandchildren Anthony (Gina), T.C. and Danielle; great-grandchildren, Eloise, Violet and Oscar and daughter at heart, Beth (Lou) Chillinsky and family, as well as a host of extended family and friends. The family would like to thank his angels from Excela Health Home Care & Hospice, Tamica and Tina, and the doctors, nurses and staff on the 3rd floor of Westmoreland Hospital who gave our beloved Dad & Grampy the best care in his last months and days. A funeral mass at St. Agnes Church will take place in the future, due to current renovations. To offer a condolence or remembrance, please visit ottfuneralhome.com.