Hits Lotto for $65M

Queens has a new millionaire - actually a multi-millionaire.
Woodside resident Degli Martinez, 55, said he was on top of the world as he collected his $65 million Lottery prize - the largest pay out ever awarded to a single New York Lotto ticket holder in Lottery history - on Wednesday, July 9.
The self-described simple man, who is a maintenance worker at a Park Avenue apartment building in Manhattan, credited his patience and persistence for helping him realize his dream of “winning the big one.”
Martinez, a native of Paraguay, elected to receive his Lotto prize as a lump sum, which totaled $31,830,092 and after taxes, he took home a net check totaling $21,176,066.
“Now I can look forward to retirement without worry,” said the married father of one. “I can pay my daughter’s college tuition and take care of my wife - simple wishes for a simple life.”
Martinez purchased the winning ticket the day before the jackpot drawing on June 30, 2007, but his original ticket had lost its bearer instrument, which is required to claim a Lottery prize.
However, the Lottery was able to verify through computer records and a visual inspection of the prize receipt that Martinez was the jackpot winner and with the Lottery’s help he officially claimed the ticket on July 3, 2007.
Martinez waited one year to collect his prize to be sure that no one else presented the original ticket.
Although his newfound wealth has changed his financial situation, he said he plans to continue working “at least until I can find someone to replace me. It’s hard to leave a job you love.”
Martinez purchased the winning ticket from the 45th Mini Market on Queens Boulevard in Long Island City.
“So many people are big, big winners from my store,” said the owner of the Mini Market, who would not give his name. “What can I say, I give good tickets.”