Martin James Shertzinger (known as “Marty” or “Pap” to his family and friends) passed away on September 1, 2023, at the age of 89. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, the heart of his family, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
Born on May 11, 1934, Marty grew up in East Liverpool, Ohio and attended The Ohio State University, where he earned a degree in metallurgical engineering and met the love of his life, Phyllis. They married and raised their family in Rochester, New York, where Marty worked at General Dynamics. Marty and Phyllis later moved to Cockeysville, Maryland, where Marty worked at Worthington Industries. After tragically losing his wife to an auto accident, Marty retired and moved to Valrico, Florida to be near family.
Marty eventually moved to Celebration, Florida and started a second career at Disney World, working as a cast member at EPCOT for more than fifteen years. One of his great joys was to take his family and friends to the Disney parks using his employee guest pass, and plan the daily itineraries and fast pass schedules for the day.
Marty dedicated himself to his grandchildren and later, to his great-grandchildren. He immersed himself into the interests and passions of each family member and kept himself current on each passing enthrallment, from sports teams, toys and dolls to television programs, pop singers, and movies. He mastered email and texting to maintain close relationships with each individual grandchild and great-grandchild, and never failed to acknowledge a birthday or anniversary. He loved to visit new places with his family to celebrate his birthdays and other family events, most recently traveling to Nashville, Phoenix, Cincinnati, Los Angeles, Chicago, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Chattanooga, Memphis, and Gatlinburg.
Marty is survived by his children Cynthia Ann Lurie (Ron) and Martin Paul Shertzinger (Robin), grandchildren David Paul Lurie (Julie), Michael Bryan Lurie (Yihan), Kimberly Ann Lurie, Bailey Ann Shertzinger (Eli), and Paul Andrew Shertzinger, as well as great-grandchildren Maggie, Claire, Miles, Anna, Ezra, Ezri, and Izzie.
Marty was preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Paul Shertzinger, his brother Donald Shertzinger, and his beloved wife Phyllis Shertzinger.
A private visitation will be held at Lemmon Funeral home in Timonium, Maryland on Saturday, September 16, 2023, followed at 11:00 by a graveside service at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens.
Donations may be made in his honor to Disney Make-A-Wish (https://wish.org/disney).
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