John J. Martinez, 80, died on Thursday, October 16, 2003 at the Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Medford. He was the loving husband of the late Alice J. (Cassidy) Martinez. He was born in Malden, November 3, 1922, a son of the late John J. and Marion (McDermott) Martinez. After graduation from Malden High School, John continued his education at St. Anselm’s College in Goffstown, New Hampshire.John was employed for the U.S. Postal Service as a postal clerk in Woburn. A decorated war veteran, John was proud to serve the United States as a Second Lieutenant in the Army during World War II as well as the Korean War. During WWII, John was decorated with the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Five Bronze Service Stars, the American Service Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal. In the Korean War, John was cited with a Distinguished Unit Badge, OCC Japan, the Korean Medal, Five Stars; second combat badge; a purple heart, and the Korean Presidential Citation. In addition to those, John was awarded a Silver Star and the United Nations Medal.After he moved to Medford in 1962, he continued his devotion to his country and was active in the VFW and American Legion of Medford.John’s hobbies included collecting coins and stamps and crossword puzzles. He was always up for a game of cards and was considered a history “buff” to all that knew him. A sports fan at heart, he interested himself in the game of golf and basketball; he was a former basketball player for St. Anselm’s College.John is survived by three cherished children, John J. “Jay” Martinez III and his wife Maureen Martinez of Malden and Timothy J. and his wife Patricia A. Martinez of Londonderry, NH., and Mary A. and her husband Raymond of Gloucester. He is predeceased by his beautiful daughter, Christine E. LaCorcia. Loving brother of Richard Martinez of Marshfield, Alice Yanulis of Hooksett, N.H., and the late Robert Martinez. He is the cherished grandfather of Victoria M. and Luke R. Hilshey of Gloucester, John C. and Jacqueline C. Martinez of Malden, and Nicholas C. and Timothy J. Martinez, Jr. of Londonderry, N.H.Funeral will be from the Beals-Geake-Magliozzi Funeral Home, 29 Governors Avenue, Medford, Tuesday, October 21, 2003 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrated in St. Joseph’s Church, 118 High Street, Medford at 11:00 a.m. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held Monday from 4 to 8 p.m. Interment, Oak Grove Cemetery, Medford.Donations in John’s memory may be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of America, 495 Old Connecticut Path, Suite 220, Framingham, MA 01701.