On Saturday, February 1, 2014 at 6:10 p.m., John Martire came face to face with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he faithfully loved and served for many, many years. The desire of his heart was finally fulfilled. Most knew him as "Sonny". To his grandchildren and great grandchildren, he was "Poppy". The legacy of this husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather is carried on by his beautiful wife of fifty-three years, Barbara Martire; three daughters and son-in-law, Kathy Grenier and husband Roger, Barbara Anne Turner, Denise Martire; five grandchildren: Jeanne Lowrey and husband Jonathan Lowrey, Nicole Marshall, Michele Buchanan and husband Leo Buchanan, Paul Grenier and Chad Grenier; and six great grandchildren: Corbin Lowrey, Tyler Lowrey, Devan Marshall, DeVonte Marshall, Dominic Buchanan and Grace Lowrey. From his start in Brooklyn, New York, Sonny had a love for music which led him in his younger years to manage and travel with several rock-n-roll bands. When the family moved to Miami, he owned a construction company. His passion for cooking and love for people was fulfilled when he opened Primo's Italian Restaurant in Miami. When the family moved to Texas, he owned Prestige Auto Detail. In his later years, his love for cooking and people led him to open Washington Street Market here in Marshall, Texas. Words he told us ... Great things come to those who wait. Have patience, pray, and have faith in the Lord. There's always room for one more at the table. Always be prepared with a full heart to give in the moment. (whether it was a word from the Lord or food for anyone who might stop by) and the spaghetti sauce must be on the stove for several hours. Love he demonstrated for us... He carried a supernatural anointing of Father God's love. It was a gift from God and the teenagers who were in his Christian youth group 30 years ago in Miami speak of it to this very day. That love was for everyone, a gift freely given to him, and he gave it gently and consistently. It was a normal occurrence to be in public with Sonny, and hear him say, "My name is Sonny. I have a word from the Lord for you." His life was shared with a consistency and love that touched hearts wherever he went. He will be deeply mourned, missed and remembered. And we will never forget how the love of God was poured out in the life of this precious man we call Sonny, Dad, and Poppy. Jesus now calls him, "John, good and faithful servant, come into my kingdom. Father and I have been waiting for you."