Michael A. Martinez

Michael Anthony Martinez was born on November 11, 1930 at his parent’s home at 607 Fourth Avenue in Ford City.  He was the son of Joe and Elsie (Manno) Martinez.

He graduated co-valedictorian from Ford City High School in 1948. His valedictorian address was entitled “Education is Life, Life is Education,” a proposition he adhered to throughout his life.

Mike obtained both a Bachelor of Science degree, in 1952, and a Master of Science degree, in 1956, in Petroleum Engineering and Natural Gas from Penn State University. It was during that period he became a life-long fan of Penn State football.

He served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant.  Following his commission, he was stationed in Paris, France where he contributed to the construction of a European pipe line.  While in Paris he was joined by his fiancée, Garnet Pore, also of Ford City, where they married in 1953.

In 1957, he joined Texaco, initially working at an oil camp in the interior of Venezuela. He and his family next moved to Caracas following his promotion to Chief Petroleum Engineer. Mike finished his tenure with Texaco as Vice President of their Ecuadorian Division.

In 1979, Garnet and he moved to Jakarta, Indonesia where he assumed the responsibilities of President of Amoseas Indonesia Inc., a company involved in oil exploration and production, as well as geothermal, throughout Indonesia.  He held that position until his retirement in 1995. During those years they traveled extensively throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Australia.

He is survived by Garnet, his wife of 65 years; his son Joe (Ann Powers); his sister JoAnn Martinez Scopel (Angelo), his niece Michelle Scopel Dobransky (Steve); nephews David Crotallo (Linda) and Darren Scopel (Melinda Shofner) and many beloved grandnieces (Maria, Sophia, Gabriella and Gianna Dobransky; Maia Scopel) and grandnephews (David and Travis Crotallo; Michael Dobransky; Max Scopel).

Friends will be welcomed from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. Friday, in the Welch Funeral Home, 1032 Fourth Ave., Ford City.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, at Christ, Prince of Peace Church, Ford City, with Father Eric Dinga as principal celebrant and Father Daniel Mahoney as homilist. Please go directly to the church for Mass.  Interment will follow in St. Mary Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in Mike's memory to either The Divine Redeemer School, Ford City, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. 

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