Anthony Martinez

WESTFORD - Anthony “Tony” Martinez III, passed away at age 76 on May 31, 2018 at his home in Westford with his family at his bedside. For54 years, he was the beloved husband of Sandra (Ewalt) Martinez.Tony was born on July 31, 1941 in Tela, Honduras, to the late Asuncion and Antonio Martinez, Jr. In 1952, his family immigrated to America, settling in New Orleans, LA. Tony proudly became a citizen as soon as he turned 18. His love for this country’s freedoms was shown in the many years he attended and addressed issues at Westford Town Meetings and Board meetings. He was a School Committee member from 1984-87. He coached town baseball, basketball and soccer teams in 1975-1982. Tony attended Tulane University and finished his B.S.E.E. & M.S.E.E. “With Distinction” at the Air Force Institute of Technology in 1970, 1971 and MS in Computer Science from Northeastern University, 1980. From 1961 to 1982, Anthony proudly served in the Air Force as a Navigator, Research Engineer and Program Manger. During the Vietnam War, as a Fire Control Officer in a C-130 Gunship and as Weapon Systems Operator in OV-10 Laser Illuminator, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross with one Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, Vietnam Service Medal with 10 Campaign stars, Meritorious Service Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal and The Vietnam Gallantry Cross. After retiring from the military, Tony was a principal engineer /program manager at Raytheon, BAE, Sensis and GE. From 1973-1985 he also was an adjunct faculty member at Northeastern University and University of Lowell. Tony served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Westford Methodist Church (1973-1978) and was instrumental in obtaining the CPA Grant for the restoration and preservation of the historic clearstory and stained glass windows. Tony is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sandra (Ewalt) Martinez; his sons, David, John, and his companion, Carolyn Genacou, Paul and his companion Courtney Schmitt; and grandchildren Luella, Caius, and Stellan. Tony is also survived by his sisters, Mary and Pamela, his sister-in-law Judy Gerl, brother-in-laws Neil Gerl, Warren Jarvis, Peter Ewalt and his aunt, Ruth Gebbia; cousins Diane Boyea, David Gebbia and Debbie Armond. His brother Edward preceded him in death. He also leaves behind his beloved Newfoundlands, Xena and Gabrielle, who brought him joy and comfort during his long illness. The family would like to thank the staff of VNACare Hospice who helped Tony pass peacefully at home. Your caring, compassion, and kindness was (and is) deeply appreciated. ARRANGEMENTS: Relatives & friends will be received on Saturday, June 16, 2018 from 9am - 10am at the United Methodist Church, 10 Church St., Westford. His Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 am, with reception to follow in Church Hall. Interment will be private. IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, donation's in Tony's memory may be made to the Salvation Army (SalvationArmyUSA.org)-OR- ASPCA of Merrimack Valley (ASPCA.org). Please see online memorial at HealyFuneralHome.com