John “Harold” Martin passed away peacefully on October 6, 2026, on his 96th birthday. Born on October 6, 1930, in the City of Los Angeles, California, he grew up in Huntington Park and lived his entire life within 10 miles of his childhood home. 

Friends introduced him to his wife Shirley. It was love at first sight, and they were married in Sept. 1950. They had 3 children, Don, Cheryl, and Pam, between August 1951 and May 1959.

Harold graduated from Huntington Park High School in 1948 and started working full time as an auto mechanic the day after he graduated. He later became a machinist and worked for several companies until he and Don opened a very successful machine shop, AZTECH Machine. He said it was one of the best decisions they ever made and that God unbelievably blessed them. 

Harold’s greatest joy was his family. In his later years, he would sit and look at the last family photo taken and say how “Blessed” he was and remark how proud he was of everyone in the photo, and that there wasn’t a “bad apple” in the bunch. 

Harold lived a life marked by love, kindness, and dedication to family and friends. He was known for his generosity, humor, wisdom, positive attitude, and being an encourager. He touched the lives of everyone who knew him.

 Harold is survived by his children: Donald Martin (Susan), Cheryl Salyer (Richard), and Pamela Malcolm (Glenn); Grandkids: Julie Biorkman (Chris) (Great-grands: Cole & Noelle); Stephanie Townsend (Mark) (Great-grands: Hannah, Amanda, Nicole); Luke Salyer (Amy) and Caleb Malcolm. 

Harold’s Celebration of Life will be held on November 14, 2026, at 11 am at Bethel Grace Baptist Church, 17909 Carpintero Ave, Bellflower, CA.