Joseph A. Martinak, 86, WWII Veteran, carpenter for Bert Woody

Born July 11, 1917 in Zagreb, Croatia, he came to the US in 1920, settling in Star City, West Virginia. Four years later, he moved to Bethel Park, Pennsylvania before coming to Lorain in 1928.

He graduated from Lorain High School in 1935. He served in the US Navy during WWII as a quartermaster on battleships in the Pacific Theater. He worked as a carpenter for Bert Woody and Sons for 30 years, retiring in 1979. Prior to that, he was a foreman at Lorain Works US Steel.

He was a member of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Elyria, and enjoyed growing flowers and gardening.

Surviving are his sons, Joseph, of Orangevale, CA, Terence of Bloomfield Hills, Ml, and Philip, of N. Olmsted. Ohio, a daughter, Patricia Martinak, of Elyria Township, and 5 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 37 years, Mary M. (nee Mulica), in 1983, a brother, Steve, in 1997, and his parents, Blaz and Ana (nee Kudrin) Martinjak.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 7-9 p.m. in the Dovin Funeral Home, 2701 Elyria Ave., Lorain. Funeral services will be Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Rev. Fr. Albert A. Krupp, pastor of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Elyria, will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery, Lorain. The Veterans of Foreign War Post 1079 of Elyria will conduct military honors.

Contributions can be made if desired to the Elyria Township Fire Department, 41416 Griswold Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.