John Martino ’41C

He was a proud alumnus of St. John’s and always participated in annual alumni dinners. This would have been the 75th anniversary of his graduation from the University and he always held a special place in his heart for the Catholic and Vincentian education he received.

One of his fondest memories was telling his father that he wished to attend college. The response was that, at six dollars per credit, college was much too expensive! But Martino was a determined young man and enrolled anyway, working three jobs to pay his tuition. He cut hair, shined shoes, and, worked at the Brooklyn Navy Yard making ropes for ships.

While his initial plan was to become a lawyer, World War II broke out and he geared his education toward film, hoping to use that skill during the war years.  This decision affected his entire life as he went on to a career spanning more than 30 years as a film editor at Young & Rubicam.

John Martino’s devotion to his faith was ever present. He was a Eucharistic Minister in his beloved hometown of Naples, Florida. He was a member of a charismatic prayer group and, for many years, wrote articles for the parish newsletter. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and held the title of 4th Degree Knight. In 2011, he became a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchrer of Jerusalem.

The years he spent at St. John’s not only provided Martino with an extraordinary education, but also helped him ground his belief in God and his devotion to family and friends, which lasted throughout his lifetime.