Jacob Martincic, 92, of Strabane, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 with family at his side in the home he shared with his daughter and son-in-law in Deemston.
He was born on April 30, 1923 in Strabane, a son of the late Frank and Lucy Strah Martincic.
Jacob bravely served his Country during WWII with the U. S. Army, beginning with the D-Day Landing on Omaha Beach and continuing until the war ended in Europe. For his service, he awarded the Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Combat Infantry Badge, Presidential Unit Citation, Good Conduct Metal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with 4 Bronze Stars, American Campaign, WWII Victory, and Honorable Service lapel button. France expressed its gratitude by awarding him the Jubilee of Liberty Metal and naming him Knight of the French Legion of Honor.
After the war, he worked for Universal Cyclops in Bridgeville until his retirement in 1984. He and his wife, Virginia, then took off to tour the country in their motorhome, visiting every state except Hawaii. He often told how as he walked half way across Europe during the war, now he wanted to see our beautiful country. When her failing health prevented further travels, he devoted his life to taking care of his Virginia until her death.
He was a quiet, strong, honest, hardworking, man who could fix anything, do anything, and do it right. He made friends easily with his brilliant smile, sense of humor, and talent for listening.
He lived most of his life in Strabane with his beloved wife of 57 years, Virginia Boles Martincic, who passed away on August 12, 2007.
Surviving are four daughters, Virginia Craig of Mill Valley, California, Carol Ann (husband Carl) Brill of North Pole, Alaska, Donna Louise (husband John Hopkins) Martincic of Bedford, Virginia, and Kathleen (husband Dan Derber) Martincic of Deemston; two grandsons, Kevin Jacob Brill and Jeffrey Patrick Craig; a granddaughter, Jeanette Louise Brill; and a great grandson, Sylar Ian Jarc.
Deceased, in addition to his parents and wife, are three brothers, Frank, John, and Joe Martincic; and two sisters, Frances Bodvake and Dorothy Koklich.
He was the last of his immediate family.
A graveside service for Jacob and Virginia will begin at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 in the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies, Cecil Twp., with full military honors rendered by the VFW Post 191 Honor Guard. Everyone is asked to meet at the funeral home. The procession will leave at 12:30 PM.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Salandra Funeral and Cremation Services, Inc., Joseph P. Salandra owner/supervisor, Lin Webb funeral director, 304 West Pike Street, Canonsburg 724-745-8120.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National D-Day Memorial, 3 Overlord Circle, Bedford, VA 24523 www.dday.org.
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