By Bob Livesay
Special to the Herald

Martinez just lost a legend.  Former mayor and the first elected mayor of Martinez  John Sparacino died at 93.
I have known John for most of my life in Martinez and after I left to pursue my career. I would always stop by and see John at his business and was well-received. John and his sister–now 100 years old– were both at my 80th birthday party at my home in Benicia along with a former vice mayor of Martinez  and many friends.
John was known as “Mr. Martinez,” a title that fit the icon of Martinez very  well.  Many residents sought out John’s advice and wisdom.   John loved Martinez and what it meant to not only him and his family but all the residents. John had no enemies personally or politically.  He devoted himself to the city of Martinez and all the residents. He devoted his life to civic affairs which will always carry on. John’s house was always open and welcome to anyone to get some guidance both personally and politically.  He never turned anyone away.
I feel very fortunate to have had John and his family as friends and will never forget this very fine family.  I still see some about twice a month and enjoy their true friendship and of their devotion to their hometown of Martinez. John was from an era gone by, and he passed that on to many others. John was what a mayor should be, and I hope other mayors  take time out to understand that.  He was truly the people’s mayor and very successful at it.  It is never too late to remember the obligation of a mayor.  Mayor John Sparacino could have helped many willingly with no compromises. I hope the Benicia mayor takes a few pages out of John’s history of devotion to a city and its residents. It’s never too late.
RIP John, you will always be a legend.

Bob Livesay is a Benicia resident.

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