Martin Joseph Sherlock

Martin Joseph Sherlock was born in Youngstown Ohio on June 18th, 1924. He was the fourth of six children, Anelle, Mary Frances, Stella, Helen, and Sophia. The Sherlock Family developed their love of music from his father, Papa Sherlock, a brilliant violin maker. Marty loved to tell stories, and some of his favorites were of his childhood in Niles, Ohio during the Great Depression. Becoming a Boy Scout, swimming at Bare Bumps beach, hopping the rails with the hobos, and how the Catholic school nuns encouraged him to play harmonica for his classmates. His parochial education along with his mother's devotion to the Catholic faith gave Marty his strong foundation as a devoted Catholic.

At the age of 17, following Pearl Harbor, Marty enlisted in the United States Navy. During the war he served on the Aircraft Carrier USS Yorktown. His ship fought in 8 major Battles including Tarawa and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. During the war, the Yorktown set a record for being at sea for 118 days without seeing land. Marty’s Yorktown stories are filled with memories of his Captain, Jocko Clark, who saw Marty as an outstanding sailor and leader.

After the war years, Marty and his family packed up their car and traveled west along Route 66. The family arrived in Long Beach California, where Marty bought the first Sherlock home on Appian Way in Naples. He petitioned to have the alleyways paved in Naples and thus, Marty became a regular figure on 2nd Street where he worked at Johnny Ward’s gas station. He graduated from LBCC and attended USC, which helped prepare him as a life insurance agent for Transamerica Life. Marty developed a passion for golf and every Friday could be found on a local Long Beach course playing with the same foursome he played with for years. It’s no secret that this golf passion led to golf clubs stashed in every nook and cranny of the Sherlock home. There might even be a few in the attic.

Marty met the love of his life, the beautiful Helen Bohnsack while she was applying for a loan from Marty at the Orange County Teachers Credit Union. That random meeting led to 59 years of marriage, being wed on Christmas Day, 1960. Marty and Helen settled in Long Beach, eventually moving into their home of 57 years. Marty instilled in his children and grandchildren a tremendous work ethic, responsibility to neighbors, faith, and the belief in always doing the right thing. This is a legacy that his children will carry with them throughout their lives. The Boy Scout Oath and Promise is something he held close to his heart. He completed all the requirements for Eagle Scout right before the War broke out. It is evident that his experiences helped shape his character and his life. Marty was also a member of the Santa Ana Jaycees where he won the Prestigious Spoke Award.

Marty was never one to shy away from a challenge. He was a Boy Scout leader for his son Dave, going on countless camping trips. On one trip in particular, he was surprised to come home with Dave’s new snake in his car. Marty also participated in scouting adventures for his daughters, Lauri, Judy, and Jackie. Helen was the scout leader and relied on him for his survival skills. With those four girls, they needed all the help they could get. Marty also enjoyed family sledding trips to Idyllwild, and to Sequoia where a bear once joined them at their campsite for dinner. There are also many memories of their summer trips to Montana, all packed into a yellow station wagon.

Martin Joseph Sherlock, a great husband, father and American. Marty spent his later years restoring a 1955 Thunderbird, collecting watches, model airplanes and cars, and playing the harmonica, which brought great joy to all those around him. Marty was amazed at the accomplishments of his grandchildren. They made him very proud.

Marty is survived by his loving wife, Helen, of 59 years, his four children, Lauri, Judy (Bill), David (Suzie), Jackie (David), and his eight grandchildren, Ben, Austin, Jesse, Gabriella, Ellie, Wade, Matthew and Avalon. Marty demonstrated his toughness throughout his life. He never held back and always let people know how he felt. He was tough as nails, and that carried him through his life. Marty is now in heaven reliving some of his childhood experiences, enjoying bygone family times in Long Beach, and spending time with his shipmates in the Pacific.

In lieu of flowers, the Sherlock family requests that donations be made to U.S.S. Yorktown CV-10 Association or Fr. Al’s Outreach.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401