Photo of Marty Rosenblatt courtesy of Sandy Cheiten.
Community activist Martin Rosenblatt died on Sunday. Rosenblatt was deeply involved in the community, most recently helping lead an effort to oppose construction of the nursing home next to PS 163 on 97th Street. His wife Sandy Cheiten sent the following note.
The world got a little less unique today (some would say A LOT less unique) with the passing of my beloved Marty.
Marty was a singular combination of child-like wonder and delight with life’s ironies melded with fierce intellectual ferocity at life’s injustices. As many evil-doers over the years learned the hard way, you didn’t want Marty Rosenblatt on the opposing side of any battle.
Marty dedicated his life to using his considerable research, analytical and writing skills to defend the little guy, the down-trodden, a clean environment, the underserved. Marty ‘s keen instincts about where to find the truth were only matched by his tireless passion to see justice done.
The passing of Marty’s life-force will leave a colossal void but his considerable legacy will live on in countless ways.
Rather than sorrow and devastation, Marty would love it if we all could remember his joyful life spirit, infectious laugh and love for all that is just in this universe.
*Please feel free forward this note to other friends of Marty who would want to know.
*Funeral Arrangements Tuesday July 17:
Please note that you can greet Marty’s family beginning at 12:30 on Tuesday and the funeral will begin promptly at 1:30 at Plaza Memorial (630 Amsterdam @ 91st). Burial will follow immediately at Mount Lebanon Cemetery (7800 Myrtle Ave Glendale (Queens) NY).
My sympathies to his family and friends.
The best tribute would be if a thousand “Marty’s” sprung up to fill the void left by his passing.
RIP, Marty… I’m sorry i never got to meet him. It sounds like he did a lot of good in the world and that is a wonderful legacy.
Condolences to his wife Sandy and the family.
Condolences to Sandy and her family. This sounds like a wonderful fellow and his light & lecacy will live on. RIP sir.
Rest in eternal peace, my neighbor, friend and fellow advocate. His spirit will live on as we continue our housing struggles but they will not be the same without him. I shall never forget his generosity, kindness and his excitement when sharing past, present or future strategies. Sincere condolences to Sandy and family.
Sonia,
i hope you help continue his legacy by advocating for affordable housing and economic and social justice, including on this blog.
while there were many Martys on the old UWS, it seems like now there are more and more sycophants of the real estate industry and cheerleaders for greed. We need strong activist voices for justice, now more than ever.
My deepest condolences to Sandy and family.
Zichrono l’vracha…May Marty’s memory be for a Blessing, and an abiding source of inspiration to all who carry on his efforts to make the world a better place!
Comfort and consolation in your loss.
Marty was referred to me by Center for Health, Environment and Justice. I needed help from someone with experience dealing with environmental issues impacting residential areas. He traveled to lower Brooklyn and was very generous with his time and ideas. He was also delightful company and inspiring.
I can only imagine what a unique loss his passing is to his close ones and to his community. His legacy is certainly a compelling one to those who were close to him but also to those who were fortunate enough to have had even brief contact with him, like me.