Donor Stories—Martakis

Martakis Family Helps Children with Bequest Gift

The Martakis family—John, Diana and Jesse—are committed to helping children. Their recent commitment to Northwell Health will benefit children well into the future.

John served in the army’s 82nd Airborne Division and with the 1st Air Calvary Division in Vietnam, attended Baruch College where he studied marketing management, and currently is a reverse mortgage consultant with Met Life Bank. Diana works in the accounting department at North Hempstead Country Club. They have been married since 1988, and they and their dog, Jesse, a 12-year old Bichon Frise, reside in Plainview.

John and Jesse are trained Certified Pet Therapy volunteers at our Northwell Health Children’s Hospital and at Glen Cove Hospital, among other organizations. During their volunteer work they have enjoyed seeing the smiles of children not only through their efforts but also due to the great care the children receive from our committed staff.

The Martakis’ have seen hospital activities and services directly improve the health and welfare of patients who are children. So they decided to commit to Northwell Health through a bequest in their wills. “We want to ensure the children get the best medical and individual care available, and provide activities for the children (including pet therapy) while staying at the hospital.”

In his spare time, John enjoys cooking, gardening and camping with (adult) Eagle Scouts, while Diana plays the harp and enjoys decorating their home for each season and holiday.