ARCO regrets to inform its members of the death of Captain John (Johnny) Martin of Dalkey, County Dublin, on June 17th, 2022 (peacefully) in the compassionate care of the staff at Beechfield Manor Nursing Home, with his family by his side. Beloved husband of Joyce; loving Dad to Johnny, Graeme, Justin, and Ross. Sadly missed by his wife, sons, daughters-in-law Fiona, Mickaela, Brit and Johnny’s partner Orla, his adored grandchildren, brothers and sisters, extended family and a wide circle of friends, including the RIYC sailing community, and his colleagues of the Defence Forces.
Johnny Martin enlisted in the Defence Forces as a member of 33 Cadet Class in 1959, was commissioned on 19th December 1960 into the Infantry Corps, and was posted to 2 Infantry Battallion, Cathal Brugha Barracks. This was the unit he was most associated with during his military career, but Johnny also spent time in Defence Forces Headquarters and with 5 Infantry Battalion in Collins Barracks, Dublin. As a Lieutenant he served with the Infantry Company, 2 Infantry Group in Kolwezi in the Congo from November 1963 to May 1964. This was the last Irish unit to serve with ONUC. Johnny retired from the Defence Forces in the early 70’s to work for Abbey Life Assurance. However, he maintained his contact with the Defence Forces and with 2 Infantry Battalion by reporting for annual reserve training with the unit. Two of Johnny’s sons, Graeme and Justin, served as officers in the Air Corps. He was an active member of McKee Officers’ Club until recent years when sadly his health declined.
Johnny’s funeral will take place on Wednesday (22nd June) at 10am in the Church of the Assumption, Dalkey and can be viewed online at www.churchservices.tv/dalkey followed by cremation in the Victorian Chapel, Mount Jerome Crematorium which can be viewed online at https://www.mountjerome.ie/victorian-chapel-service/
Family flowers only please. Donations, if desired, to the RNLI.
Members may wish to leave personal messages in the ‘Condolences’ section of Johnny’s death notice on rip.ie – https://rip.ie/death-notice/john-martin-capt.-rtd.-dalkey-dublin/499274
