Rita Martinek

Rita (Moulton) Martinek, 91 of Vestal NY passed away on August 19; Softly in the morning you heard a gentle call, you took the hand God offered you and sadly left us all. She was predeceased by her husband Frank Martinek and Son Frankie Martinek, her parents Floyd and Marion Moulton and several loved Aunts, Uncles and cousins, whom she has joyfully reunited with in heaven. Rita is survived by her sisters, Lois Kelley, Lakeland FL, Judy Hessler (John) SD, and Kathy Gallagher (Joe) Vestal. Six children, Brenda Karika (Paul) Whitney Point, Kevin Landon Newark Valley, Craig Landon Vestal, Shelley Yarwood New Port Richey FL, Melody McGuire (Greg) Vestal and Penney Abildness (Jeffrey) Apalachin. Seventeen Grandchildren, Nineteen Great Grandchildren, and Two Great Great Grandchildren. Her extended family Brandon Cady ( Melissa), Jared Cady (Jesseca), and Eric Cady ( Meaghan). Special friends Joan Reed and Rose Mizera. Her greatest joy were her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, whom she was so proud of. She leaves behind a multitude of friends, family, and one’s who called her “ Grams” too numerous to mention by name but know she shares her love with all of you. Rita lived a long colorful life, full of energy and charisma. Whomever she met they remembered her and loved her. She was an accomplished business woman, while raising her family in Vestal she was still able to do other things she loved; working in food management. She managed the restaurant at Midway Bowling, Dunkin Donuts, and was part owner of a Sea food restaurant in Ithaca, worked at the Sub Factory, GE and was a Home Health Aid, and still found time to sew her daughters bridesmaid, flower girl and Easter dresses, bake Wedding cakes and decorate with beautiful roses and make and bake the best food including her famous apple pie and potato salad, and still make it to all her children and grandchildren’s baseball and football games. She joyfully shared in many family moments across the generations including marriages, births, birthdays, family reunions and even enjoyed funerals. Rita became co-owner of Transmatic on the Vestal Parkway for over 50 years. She was predeceased by her partner Tony Honicky, in 1981. Tim Willett became her partner until her retirement. She hardly ever missed Wheel of Fortune or Jeopardy and even got her grandchildren hooked. Rita found peace traveling or sitting in the sun, reading a good book, sitting on the beach, especially at Sandy Pond NY. She was a gift from God, her life will shine in our hearts forever.
The family will receive friends at Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main Street, Endicott on Saturday August 28 from 4-6 pm, the funeral will be held at the Allen Memorial Home, Sunday August 29 at 2 pm. There will be a celebration of life directly after to all who loved and admired her are all welcome to share a toast and memories. Please consider in Rita’s memory a donation to the Binghamton Humane Society or your favorite charity.