John J. Martinko 1933-2022

John was born Aug. 11, 1933, in Youngstown, a son of Michael and Anna Lesko Martinko.

John was a parishioner of Christ the Good Shepard Parish in Campbell.

He was a 1951 graduate of Campbell Memorial High School and continued his education at Columbian Prep School. He then went on to complete course work at the United States Naval Academy; Youngstown University, where he received his bachelor’s degree in education; Westminster College, where he received his master’s degree in science education; Boston University; University of Oslo in Norway; Akron University, where he received graduate hours in school psychology; University of Colorado; and The Ohio State University, where he completed course work in adult education management.

While completing his undergraduate degree, he earned two varsity football awards from Youngstown University and the Henry Roemer Achievement Award in Combined Scholarship and Athletics, also from Youngstown University. He also served in the United States Army Reserve.

John taught many of the Campbell youth at various grade levels and subjects over the years as a teacher and football coach with the Campbell School System. He was inducted into the Campbell Sports Hall of Fame for his role as a football player and coach for many years.

He was a lifetime member of the National Education Association, the Ohio Education Association, Ohio High School Football Coaches Association and the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation.

He enjoyed traveling and had traveled extensively throughout the United States, as well as Eastern and Western Europe. One of his greatest joys was spending 20 years of his summer vacations at his summer residence in Copenhagen, Denmark.

He is survived by his nieces and nephews, Gerald (Wendy) Martinko, Brian (Tamara) Martinko, Robert (Shelly) Martinko, Kenneth (Sharon) Martinko, Elaine (Paul) Anderson and Dana Martinko. He also leaves his sister-in-law, Louise Martinko.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Edward, Michael Jr. and Walter Martinko; as well as his sister-in-law, Frances Martinko; and nephew, Michael Martinko.

Private funeral services were held Thursday, April 21, 2022, at St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cemetery, with the Rev. Michael Swierz officiating.

The Martinko family entrusted John’s care to the Wasko Funeral Home in Campbell. Please visit www.waskofamily.com to view this obituary and to leave condolences with the family.

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