John Earl Marston's Obituary
John Earl Marston, 73 of 4770 Frich Drive, Whitehall, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, April 9, 2016. Beloved husband to Doris (Polinak) Marston, who were married on June 28, 1975. He is also survived by one loving son, Jeffrey John Marston, 26, of the same address. In addition to his wife and son, John had a best friend Bill Duffy, of Chesapeake, VA (formerly of Lynn, MA). Since the third grade, at the age of 9, they grew up together and were like brothers. They were known to each other, even to this day, as "Johnny and Billy". It was a very special friendship of 65 years.
Born on October 28, 1942 in Boston, Massachusetts. After attending high school in Lynn, MA, he entered the US Navy in 1959 and had served aboard several Naval ships, the Zellers, Bushnell, Page, Buckley and Truett. His tours of duty included ports in the countries of Germany, France, Spain and the Phillipines, and in South America and the Mediterranean. John was also a veteran of the Vietnam War serving with distinction and bravery. During such tours he earned several advancements, medals and commendations such as the Sailor of the Quarter. He took great pride in his work ethic and accomplishments. His patriotism, dedication and discipline never left him as his friends and family will attest.
John also served on recruiting duty in Pittsburgh as a training administrator and instructor. While there he met and married Doris. It was a long, loving marriage as best friends and devoted to each other for over 40 years. John had another best friend, his beloved dog, a black lab named Buddy, or as John called him “the Buds.” He often said he had two sons!
After a distinguished career of 21 years, John retired from the US Navy in 1980 as Chief Petty Officer (why many have called him "the Chief"). He then was employed by the US Postal Service in Bethel Park, PA.
John had deep pride and love for his son, Jeff. They had many wonderful road trips together around the country for bicycle moto cross (BMX) racing events from 1999-2009. John enjoyed working as a volunteer at those events and looked forward to those weekends. He had wonderful memories and made lasting friendships.
John had many friends through membership in various organizations such as the Whitehall Community Lions Club, where he had served as President, and the Baldwin Kiwanis. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and the American Legion Posts and enjoyed traveling with his family. Over the past 4 years John attended annual reunions of his former shipmates. Getting to go back and see his friends from the service were great times for him.
Visitation will be held at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home, 301 Curry Hollow Road, Pittsburgh PA 15236, on Sunday, April 17, from 12-3 PM and 5-8 PM, and Monday, April 18, from 10-11:30 AM followed by a blessing service in the chapel. Military services and burial are immediately following at the National Cemetery of the Alleghenies at 1158 Morgan Road, Cecil Township (Bridgeville), PA 15017.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Snowball Express, , c/o Bank of Texas Dept. 14728 P.O Box 650823 Dallas, Texas 75265, OR Brothers Brother Foundation, , 1200 Galveston Avenue, Pittsburgh PA. 15233
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