Marine Corps League

This morning, July 3^rd, 2007, we have lost a great Marine. Mike Marte passed away this morning and is now resting with God Almighty. Mike Marte was a friend, brother, husband, father, mentor, and a wonderful servant to all. Mike was our Detachment Adjutant from the first day that we chartered back in 2002. Mike has served this Detachment and all members and associates with an unselfish heart above and beyond all expectations. Mike, and his wonderful wife Toni, were always the first to show up, and the last to leave all of our functions, whether it be a regular monthly meeting, or a special event. Mike always thought of others first.

I am so saddened by this loss. Personally, I look up to Mike as if he were my older brother. Mike always had the best interests of us all in his heart and he gave and gave and gave. I am missing Mike so much.

Mike’s exemplary attitude and conduct earned him the very first commendation that this young Detachment has awarded; that being Marine of the Year for 2006. I remember the tears in Mike’s eyes as I presented that award to him that day as shown in the picture. I must say that I also had tears in my eyes to see the wonderful dedication that Mike displays and the love that our entire Detachment expressed to Mike. In my recent years, this was one of the most memorable things that I have witnessed. That moment will live on forever in my heart.

Writing this is so difficult because I was planning on visiting Mike tomorrow right after our Fourth of July parade. Mike always made every parade we had, but because of his stroke two weeks ago he needed to stay home and rest. I am so glad that I stopped by to see Mike this past weekend. I was in his home area and called and Mike and Toni were getting ready to go out to lunch but had a few minutes for a quick visit. The weather was hot and Mike came out of his house dressed in slacks and a very white Italian style sleeveless T-shirt. He looked like a stud and I was so happy to see him getting better after his stroke. When Denny called me this morning and told me the sad news I was so shocked and saddened.

I am already missing Mike. May God please watch over Mike until we all can get there too.

If anyone wants to include a dedication to Mike here, please send it to me in an email and I shall post it here. You can use the Contacts page to send me an email.

Kevin Kimma - Commandant - Marine Corps League - San Jose Detachment #1122

Michael L. Marte

Michael "Mike" Marte, Lance Corporal, United States Marine Corps, Vietnam Veteran. Mike left this world 3 July 2007, to be reassigned to that great parade deck in the sky. Mike served the San Jose Detachment Marine Corps League 1122 from its inception and is regarded as the premier Adjutant of the Detachment. Mike could always be counted on for keeping the records straight, covering the essentials to keep the Detachment informed and aware of all the things going on in the area.

Mike jokingly referred to himself as "the secretary" of the Detachment. Rosters, records, correspondence all were handle efficiently and effectively by Mike. Words cannot describe or enlighten us on the service that this man has given to Veterans, Veterans Organizations, the public and the support of Toys for Tots and all things Marine Corps. Always available for any event and a leader in getting things done

He could always be counted on to be certain that everyone's uniform was properly attired and that nothing was out of order, so all looked perfect as a Marine should. There never was a more loving and dedicated Marine in our midst.

Mike was an active member and participant in the Santa Clara Elks Lodge, The Santa Clara Veterans Council, and the San Jose Detachment Marine Corps League. He will be missed by all.

I will always and forever think of Mike in terms of these original words from our beloved Hymn, "Admiration of the Nation; We're the finest ever see; And we Glory in the Title; of United States Marine." And as the last verse says, "…They will see the streets are guarded; By United States Marines."

Today we lost a Marine and a friend. Michael, we salute you, and honor you. Your presence will be sadly missed. You are my Hero, sir.

God Bless You and Semper Fidelis. OOOHRAAH MARINE

Denny Weisgerber, Past Commandant San Jose Detachment, 1122 Marine Corps League

IN REMEMBRANCE OF MICHAEL MARTE:

I sense Mike's spirit whispering to us through this poem!

"Do not stand by my body and weep

I am not here, I do not sleep.

I am the thousand winds that blow

I am the diamond glints on the snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awake in morning's hush

I am the swift uplifting rush, of

quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand by my body and cry

I am not here, I did not die."

And, on this 4th of July, we thank Michael Marte for our freedom!

Semper Fidelis - Mike Glazzy

This is such a very great loss to all of us. I always said that Mike was the glue that held us all together, the cement that made us strong. He cannot ever be replaced. He was loved by all. Dick "Gunner" LaTondre

I am without many words but experiencing many emotions. Mike has earned his reward for being the best a man and a Marine can be.

Mike's passing leaves a void in the many lives of those who knew him. I thank Mike for all that he has done. His memory will always bring to mind a good and selfless man. A fine Marine. Our love and prayers are with Toni and his family.

Semper Fidelis Mike.... Lore & Martha Wiseman (this picture sent by Lore...please click to make bigger...hit Back to return here)

Mike was so dedicated in the Marine way of life and everything a Marine should be and do.

He certainly will be missed. May his Memory be Eternal.

A saddened Marine. George Mavrakis Semper Fi

I also felt like I lost my Big Huggable brother, Mike was always a sweetheart and I cherished his friendship - his stregnth and compassion saw me personally through 3 Iraq deployments. I have learned so much about Marines via the Marine Corps League. I was awestruck while visiting the new Marine Corps museum and gained an even more profound respect for your legacy. Jerilyn Lightfoot

When I was notified that Mike had passed away, I immediately felt a huge sense of personal loss. I have known Mike for only a short time, having met him at a dinner for parents of Marines in late 2005. That night he introduced me to the Marine Corps League, gave me his card, and invited me to the next meeting. When I showed up at the January 2006 League meeting, I sat in awe of the men who surrounded me. Men who had fought on Iwo Jima, in Korea, and Vietnam. I was surrounded by the men who made history. Mike was one of these. I could see he was also not content to sit around and let someone else do the job. He was always involved in organizing, working, and administrating events, making the square wheel round so it rolled smoothly. I missed him today at the Independence Day Parade. I regret that I did not know him longer.

I will not say good-bye to our Brother for I trust I will see him again one day, polishing his brass and still lacing them left over right for his Final Inspection.

Semper Fi, Mike Damigo

I am stunned. Mike was such a wonderful guy, and a key man in our detachment. He will be missed a great deal by us all. We will keep Mike and Toni in our prayers. Thanks Kevin. You gave a well said, heartfelt eulogy to our brother Mike, which we heartily concur with. You said what we all are feeling, and wish we could have said. I feel so inadequate in expressing how much I loved and respected him. My 8-year-old Katie want's to say something as well:

I'am Sorry To Here About Mike Marte.
We Remember Him Greatfully And As A Brother MARINE
And A Great Person I Am So Sorry Here This.
As my Dad said: God had need of him in heaven.
May Peace Be Upon Him And His Family.
Katie Williams

We are all choking back tears (some not successfully) at this great loss. Our hearts go out to Toni and his family, and we keep him in our prayers and remember him fondly. Dave, Joyette & Katie Williams

Memory for Mike.

Sorry to hear of the loss of our Marine, Mike Marte.

He was always there when needed.

He was always there for volunteer work

He was always there to answer a question.

He was always there to help with applications.

Mike, you will always be missed.

Mike, you will always be in our hearts.

Keep those Heavenly Gates well guarded.

Al and Rose Simmons

On behalf of the Military Club of Saint Lawrence Academy, I would like to extend a heart-felt "SEMPER FIDELIS" to Mike Marte, to his wife and to the Marines of USMC League in Santa Clara County. Mike is a 5.0, top-notch Marine who befriended the Military Club at Saint Lawrence Academy. As he takes his post along side "Chesty" Puller and other Marines who served a life a distinction, may his loved ones take pride in knowing that their lives were touched by One of God’s finest. OOORAH Mike!!! Scott Burris Former Moderator of the Military Club, Saint Lawrence Academy

On July 3^rd 2007, a very special person to each one of us has passed on to be with God. Mike Marte is a true friend to me, as I know he is to every one of you. Mike is a perfect example of what it means to be a good person and an honorable United States Marine.

As I prepared a tribute to Mike on our web site, I went through hundreds of photographs. Between the tears I could see the reoccurring theme on how much Mike loved to serve others. This is Mike’s legacy...service to others.

I noticed this goodness straight away six years ago as I first met Mike as our Marine Corps League Detachment was formed. I observed Mike in his unselfish dedication to the League and its members. I learned from Mike, and I asked myself if I could become a better person; a person like Mike. I hope that some of Mike’s goodness has rubbed off onto me. As you can see in the comments posted in our web tribute to Mike...everyone of you feels the same way I do. Mike has taught us all how to be better.

One perfect example of Mike’s service manifested itself recently in the elections of our Detachment. Our esteemed Commandant, Denny Weisgerber, wanted to pass his Commandant baton along creating an opportunity for Mike to change his responsibilities from Adjutant to either Commandant, Sr Vice or Jr Vice Commandant. Mike was asked, but he refused. He commented that he could do a better service to the League, our Detachment, and members by staying Adjutant. Adjutant and Paymaster...the two toughest and most time consuming jobs in any unit. Mike declined one of the “cushy” Commandant roles and decided to stay our Adjutant...because...he wanted to be in a position that served others as much as possible. That is Mike’s legacy....serving others.

I celebrate Mike for what he has done for all of us and also for what he has taught me about being a better person.

May God hold you Mike in his hands, as you Mike have held all of us in your heart! Kevin Kimma

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