Mira Martincich, a former Roslyn schools physical education director, died on Nov. 10 at 68.
Roslyn school board members discussed Martincich’s life during a meeting on Thursday. President Meryl Waxman Ben-Levy described her as a “force of nature.”
“I could go on and on and on, but all I can say is she served our district well while she was here and beyond,” she said. “She was really one of the great leaders. I will remember her forever and I believe that all those who knew her and worked with her would feel the same.”
Martincich was born in Brooklyn to Emily and Peter Martincich in 1953. She was the oldest of four children and grew up in Queens with her brother John and later with her twin sisters Laura and Joanne.
Martincich attended Francis Lewis High School. She then attended Queens College, where she graduated magna cum laude while participating in a variety of team sports. She also earned her master’s degree at West Chester University and her doctorate at St. John’s University.
Martincich worked as a teacher, coach and administrator in Roslyn for over 30 years. She retired in 2009 but returned for a few months as interim athletic director in 2014.
David Seinfeld, a trustee, described Martincich as a passionate advocate for her department and students. He said that even when the district faced challenges, she remained committed to her beliefs.
“Those were difficult times back 20 years ago, 18 years ago,” he said. “And Mira was, and I believe it to be true, the person who cared the most when the times were the worst.”
Martincich fought for women’s sports to remain equal to men’s. She coached and officiated in field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball and volleyball.
“She fought for her program and she fought for all the right reasons,” said Seinfeld. “Without worrying if people got upset. She didn’t care if she could do right for the kids.”
Martincich served on the New York High School Athletic Association Modified Committee. She was also president of the Section VIII Athletic Council and Section VIII High School Athletic Association.
Martincich was named Section VIII Administrator of the Year in 2014, as well as the New York State Athletic Administrators Association Apple Appreciation Award and the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance Council of Administrators Physical Education Director of the Year.
She is also a member of the Nassau County High School Athletics and New York State Public High School Athletic Association halls of fame.
Martincich was also well-known among loved ones to make chocolate for any occasion. She also enjoyed traveling and was a huge fan of the Olympics.
Martincich suffered a stroke two years ago, leaving her with some cognitive issues. Her mother Emily, brother John, sister Laura, nephew Joseph and niece Hayle survive her.