Richard Martinko

Colonel Richard Martinko, United States Army (ret.) of Chester, died Saturday, December 10, 2011. He was born in Whitaker, Pennsylvania on December 13, 1921 and was the son of Stephen J. Martinko and Mary Barbara Danko. He was a graduate of the Munhall School Systems, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and received an advanced degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II. After returning from the service he taught for a number of years in Western Pennsylvania and then decided to return to Camp Lee where he served during the war. He was employed with the Army Logistics Management College at Fort Lee while he continued to serve in the Army Reserve. He was a life member of Reserve Officers Association, Retired Officers Association and the Military Order of the World Wars. He was dedicated to his church, Chester United Methodist, and for many years taught the Men's Bible Class during Sunday school. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Graham Martinko; four children and their spouses, Karen & Rick Minor, Rick & Eve Martinko, Bob & Robin Martinko, and Rod & Victoria Martinko; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in the Chester United Methodist Church, 12132 Percival Street, Chester, Virginia 23831 with Dr. Margaret T. Kutz officiating. Interment with military honors will be held in Southlawn Memorial Park, Prince George. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 4240 Park Place Court, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060 or Chester United Methodist Church.