Gabriel George Martyak

On March 9, Dr. Gabriel G. Martyak, age 72, of Colorado Springs passed away peacefully at home with two of his children and a brother nearby. He left behind innumerable wonderful memories for his devoted family and countless friends.

Born May 4, 1947 to Dr. Gabriel S. and Catherine (Cranston) Martyak, “Gabe” was known to many in his hometown Freeland, PA as a very happy child who was always quick to smile. A 1964 graduate of St. Ann High School, and a 1968 graduate of Villanova University, where he received both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, Gabe went on to receive his medical degree from Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1976. He practiced emergency medicine at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, PA, where he also was the director of the regional Poison Center and a founder of the LifeFlight helicopter program. He quickly advanced to leadership positions at the Guthrie Clinic in Sayre, PA, and Muhlenberg Hospital in Bethehem, PA. After earning his M.B.A from Binghamton University, he worked as a both a clinician and physician executive. He later relocated to San Antonio, TX as the Dean of the Medical Group at University of Texas San Antonio Health Science Center. His career also included executive positions in Portland, ME and with CHI in Omaha, NE prior to his retirement in 2018.

High school was an important moment in Gabe’s life because that is where he met his future wife, Elizabeth “Betty Ann” Burns. Whether she was the cheerleader for his basketball team shots or his stage partner in the school’s “King & I” production, they quickly became life partners. Side by side, whether Gabe was teaching mathematics at Monsignor Bonner High School in Drexel Hill, PA, or pursuing his education and career goals, Betty Ann was always there, his supporting wife and partner. Together, they raised a family of four children who were the center of their lives.

Gabe made so many friends wherever he worked and was always known for his stories, jokes and constant willingness to help, tapping his expertise for medical, auto and mechanical advice or simply sharing his compassion and empathy. Gabe was a caregiver at the hospital, at home and in the garage. He was a devoted, generous and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend who will be truly missed by all who knew him.

Gabe was predeceased by his wife Elizabeth in 1998. He is survived by his four siblings Joseph and Drs. Stephen, Stephanie, and Bartholomew; his children, Dr. Gregg Martyak (Jackie) of Colorado Springs, CO, Megan Zwick (Josh) of Westport, CT, Carrie Merchant (Dan), of Boulder, CO, and Jonathan Martyak (Jenna), of Allentown, PA. He was “Grandad” to 5 cherished grandchildren: Benjamin and Ian Zwick, Cameron and Nathan Martyak and Neve Merchant.

Gabe started life filled with smiles and spent the rest of his days spreading them around. A celebration of Gabe’s life will be10 am. Saturday June 20 at Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. 898 Centre Street, Freeland PA. 18224.

With the current health situation this is subject to change. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network(www.pancan.org), or a charity of one’s choosing.