Park Ridge, New Jersey
Happy to Be 'Grumpy'
Among the ways Karen Wortley remembers her husband, the most visible must be the tattoo on her ankle — "Grumpy."
It's true, the relentless hours Martin Michael Wortley worked at Cantor Fitzgerald, where he dealt in interest rate options, left him a little cranky when he got up some mornings at the house the couple rented in Park Ridge, N.J. But when she called him grumpy for the first time, the observation just seemed to deflate his bad mood. He agreed, and it became a nickname. Later he got "Grumpy" tattooed on his right calf and named his boat, "Grumpy's Toy."
At 6-foot-5, Mr. Wortley would have been intimidating if he had actually been surly. In reality, Mr. Wortley, 29, could walk into a room not knowing anyone and leave knowing half the people there.
His height helped Ms. Wortley, who is 5-foot-4, keep track of him in a crowd. "Anytime I would lose him anywhere all I had to do was look up," she said. `You could see him from a mile away."
Martin and I sat next to each other in homeroom for 4 years at MHS. I offer share this story with my kids to this day. Never forgotten and often thought of.
Scott Wild
September 10, 2019 | West Long Branch, NJ | Friend
Another year has passed but I will never forget you. I cherish the memories of our college days and the fun times we had together.
Vanessa VanLoan-Polchin
September 11, 2017 | POTTSTOWN, PA
Thinking of you today and often. Really miss the fun times we had together.
Vanessa VanLoan-Polchin
September 11, 2016 | Spring City, PA
So hard to believe it's been 13 years my old friend. I think of you often. I still can't grasp that Eric is there with you. I will never forget!
Vanessa VanLoan-Polchin
September 11, 2014 | Spring City, PA
Never Forgotten 9/11
I can't believe it's been 13 years!
Not a day goes by that we don't think about you MARTIN!
We love and miss you so much!
Debbie Wortley-Busto
September 10, 2014 | Charlotte, NC
Thinking of you today and often. I hope you and Eric have found each other in heaven and are reliving some of your college days.
Vanessa Van Loan Polchin
September 11, 2013 | Spring City, PA
Another year has passed without you old friend. Cheers Marty...
Tom Philbrick
September 10, 2013 | NJ
Another year has gone by my friend and I still think of you often. I will never forget!
Vanessa Van Loan
September 11, 2012 | Spring City, PA
I am just a random Mahwah High School student who remembers seeing your face sitting at the football table in lunch everyday. I was in classes with Paul and played softball with Debbie. I am heartbroken for your family and wish you and your friends and family peace.
J S
September 14, 2011 | NY, NY
