Jerry J. Martyniuk

Dolgeville

Mr. Jerry J. Martyniuk, 89, of 11 West Faville Avenue, passed away on March 30, 2018 while wintering in Jupiter, Florida with Sandra, his love of many years by his side.

Jerry was born in Poland, on October 13, 1928 the son of the late Petro and Mary Katherine ((Reichart) Martyniuk; later immigrating to the United States with his parents as a young man.

A veteran of the United States Army, he served honorably with the 4405 HQ Company 14thArmored Cavalry in Germany during the Korean War. Jerry was an interpreter for an intelligence unit where he obtained the rank of corporal. While in Germany his fluency in five different languages: German, Ukrainian, Polish, Russian and English was an extremely valuable asset to his unit and the Army.

He was united in marriage to the former Ann Polentyzuk in 1949. Ann predeceased him in 1985.

Jerry’s affiliations included: Life membership in the Little Falls BPOE#42, where he served as the Grand Auditor; the VFW, where he was awarded “Citizen of the Year” in 1977; a member of the Board of Public works for the City of Little Falls; the Little Falls Golf Commission and a member and treasurer of the former St. Nicholas Ukrainian Church of Little Falls.

He was also instrumental in bringing The New York Mets Class A baseball team to Little Falls in 1977 and remained with the team until 1982 when they left the area.  As a devoted fan he derived much pleasure in showing his 1984 Mets Championship ring to a multitude of people over the years.

Jerry’s love of golf was evident by his many years as a member of the Little Falls Golf course where he belonged to several leagues. He also had the privilege  of playing some of the finest courses throughout the United States including: Pebble Beach, Riviera Club, Pine Hurst #2, the Champion’s course at LPGA in Florida, Tuhaye Club in Utah, and especially Birnam Wood Golf Club in Montecito, CA., to name a few. He also recorded a hole-in-one at Little Falls golf course.

Jerry loved taking cruises and being able to converse with the crew members in their native language.  He also had a wonderful tenor voice and entertained many friends over the years singing Ukrainian and Polish songs, and then would explain their meanings. One of his greatest joys was spending summers at Piseco Lake (Half Moon Beach). With binoculars in hand, he would spend many hours sitting in front of the “Log Cabin” watching the Bald Eagles soar. Jerry was always so grateful to have had friends, who had party boats, and included him when it came time for cocktails, appetizers, and wonderful dinners on board.

Jerry is survived by Sandra, his Love of 32 years and her daughter Michele Neely-Saltoun and her husband Andre of Montecito, CA. He is also survived by several Nieces and Nephews with special mention of those living locally including: Dave and his wife Roxanne, Peter and his wife Janie, Michael and his wife Sharon, nieces Mary and her husband Dave and Mary Ann and her husband Ronald.  Jerry’s special love of “Bo”, his grand dog in Montecito, will never be forgotten. He was predeceased by his brothers, Kornel, Michael, Walter, a sister Katherine and a step-sister Ann.

A celebration of his Life will be held on Saturday May 26th, 2018 at 11:00am, at the Little Falls Elks Club, Ann Street Little Falls, NY.  The Elks Club will begin with ritualistic services, followed by prayer and a concluding ceremony with Military Honors. Friends are invited.

                     Inhale-Love

                Exhale-Gratitude

My Love, so many beautiful memories were made together over the years….

So very blessed by you,

                   Sandra

A remembrance of Jerry, may be shared at robertsfuneralcare.com.

Jerry’s, arrangements are entrusted to Jerry and Sandra’s longtime friend, Brian A. Roberts, of the Roberts Funeral Home, 3 Faville Avenue, Dolgeville, New York.

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