Martin Roger Gertz

We are saddened to announce that Martin Roger “Marty” Gertz, of Herkimer, NY passed away on Friday morning, July 12th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family.

Marty was born in Oak Ridge, TN on October 17, 1956, the son of the late Donald and Dorothy Gertz. He spent his childhood in Carle Place, NY, and graduated from Carle Place High School in 1974. Marty then attended the State University of New York at Oneonta where he met and fell in love with his future wife, Judy (Lucek) Gertz. They were married on August 12,1978, and later were blessed with three daughters whom he loved beyond measure.

Marty obtained a Master of Science in Education in 1980, followed by a Certificate of Advanced Study in Counselor Education in 1984, and began his career as a dedicated high school guidance counselor. His career at Jarvis Jr./Sr. High School in Mohawk, NY spanned over three decades, and he touched the lives of countless students and colleagues. Marty tirelessly supported and guided students through their academic journeys and personal challenges, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to his students’ success.

Throughout his life, Marty had an insatiable curiosity and passion for music, history and sports. Whether recounting the intricate details of historical events, discussing the nuances of his favorite sports teams, or passionately sharing his extensive knowledge of music from various genres and eras, his enthusiasm was infectious. He eagerly shared his love for artists such as The Beatles, Beach Boys, Sinatra, and Paul Simon with anyone willing to listen, and he would call your attention to verses or lyrics that held deep personal meaning for him. He sang, he played the guitar, and was famous for creating albums entirely made up of a single song done by different artists in different styles, a habit that began during his brief stint as a DJ at Oneonta’s college radio station.

He could talk for hours about the lives and habits of US presidents, the JFK assassination, or World War II, but of all Marty’s passions, the New York Yankees came first. He never missed a game if he could help it, and he took the family to a Yankee game at least once a year. He would even help us make signs to hold up in the stands.

The importance of family was paramount to Marty. He adored his wife, Judy, and loved for her to be near at all times. He was endlessly proud of his daughters and would brag about them to family, friends and acquaintances. To the grandsons he was known as “Pa.” He would quiz them on their day-to-day life over FaceTime and pepper them with challenging math questions. When they read to him or made him laugh with a good kid joke, he was thrilled. Marty clung to these connections fiercely. He was tenacious in his hold on life and his family.

Marty is survived by his beloved wife of 45 years, Judy Gertz, of Herkimer, NY; and his three daughters and their spouses, Jennifer and Jeremy Yaddaw of Forest Hills, NY, Kari and Joseph Jansen of NY, NY and Dana and Ellen Cormier of Essex, NY. He is also survived by his two grandchildren, Harrison and Ezra Yaddaw; his siblings, Ken and Sue Gertz of Petaluma, CA, Debra Gertz and Carole Resnick of Syracuse, NY and Susan Karp of Willits, CA; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family.

Marty was predeceased by his father Donald Gertz; his dearly loved mother, Dorothy Rockman; his mother and father-in-law, Valeria and John Lucek; and his cherished nephew, Shay Resnick Gertz.

All friends and family are welcome to attend the calling hour and Celebration of Marty’s Life on Monday, July 22nd, 2024 from 9:00AM – 10:00AM at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 North Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315) 866-1011. His funeral service will commence at 10:00AM at the funeral home after which a private burial ceremony will be held in Syracuse, NY, where he will be laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, as an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, 125 Business Park Drive, Ste 106, Utica, NY 13502.

The Gertz family has entrusted the care of their beloved husband and father to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate funeral directors.