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BORN
1941
DIED
2011
Martin Greenberg Obituary
Dr. Martin H. Greenberg, 70, passed away on June 25, 2011, after a long battle with illness. He was born March 1, 1941, to the late Max and Mae Greenberg in South Miami Beach, Fla.
Martin received his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Miami and went on to earn a Doctorate in Political Science from the University of Connecticut. He was the Dean of the School of International Studies at Florida International University, and he was the first Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, and was a long-time professor there, retiring as Professor Emeritus in 1996, but he was best known for his long involvement in the publishing industry.
Starting with a reprint anthology of science fiction stories to help teach political science concepts in his classroom, Dr. Greenberg went on to found Tekno Books and was one of the founders of the Sci-Fi Channel. In nearly 40 years of working in the publishing field, much of which he did as a sideline while still a full-time professor, he helped publish more than 2,500 books, including novels, anthologies, and nonfiction works. He also received lifetime achievement awards in the fields of science fiction, mystery, and horror—the only person in history to win these awards in all three genres—among many other honors bestowed upon him during his distinguished career. Through his work in developing and maintaining markets for writers, Martin became close friends with many authors and always enjoyed spending time at conventions, meeting people and coming up with new ideas and projects.
In addition to his parents, Martin was preceded in death by his first wife, Sally.
He is survived by his wife, Rosalind; their daughter, Madeline, Seattle, Wash.; two stepdaughters from his first wife, Kari Walsh, wife of John Kerkhof, and their daughter, Delenn Kerkhof, Appleton, Wis.; and Kate Walsh, wife of Matt Hall, Bakersfield, Calif.
Services will be held at Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 East Mason St. (468-4111), visitation at 9 a.m., service at 10 a.m., Monday, June 27, 2011, with Rabbi Shaina Bacharach officiating. Burial in Cnesses Israel Cemetery.
Martin's family would like to thank the staff of Heartland Hospice and his many doctors, nurses, and support staff for their dedicated and compassionate care. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Jessica Dominiczak and Tricia Knaus for their devotion to Martin and their excellent, loving care.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Martin Greenberg
Shin Sian Soong
July 21, 2011
My deepest condolences to Dr. Greenberg's family. Thirty years seems like a long time but my fond memory of him and his academic influences still profound. Rest in peace Martin and you will be missed.
Cathy Dunn
July 19, 2011
Rosalind, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. I’ve been reading the many wonderful things that people have said about Marty. Although I met him only once, at your mother’s funeral, I’ve never forgotten the kindness in his face.
Sharon Ryan
July 18, 2011
Dear Rosalind,
I am so sorry to hear of Marty's passing. You have been ever so gentle on my mind. I hope that your memories will help you through this painful loss.
Fondly,
Sharon Ryan
David Garot
July 12, 2011
I first had Dr Greenberg for a required class and found myself taking his classes because I enjoyed his teaching, stories and expertise on so many subjects.
Raconteur, eclectic and diverse do not even begin to accurately describe him.
An expert in science fiction and terrorism who could recall the days of his youth covered with newspapers sitting ringside in Florida at a boxing event, all while maintaining an impossibly huge cigar.
I know I speak for hundreds, if not thousands when I say I am not only wiser, but much richer for having the privilege of having known him, but all too briefly.
Elizabeth Nair
July 2, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the family. Thou, from the "other side"of the UWGB campus, Ganga Nair, was so fond of Marty and Ganga felt that Marty was extraordinary.
I had the priviledge to arrange Marty's travels till his retirement. He was so special as well as challenging. He will be missed.
Susan Markowitz
July 2, 2011
Heartfelt condolences to Professor Greenberg's family. While I never had the pleasure of meeting him, I've read and appreciated many, many of the wonderful anthologies he compiled. Seeing his name on the cover always was, and remains, a sure sign of a worthwhile read. I had no idea that this was just a sideline for him, and that he influenced so many lives as a highly respected member of academia..
Val Shires
July 2, 2011
As my fellow MBHS classmate Marty was one of those guys that was always full of life, outgoing, a genuine friend... As I read the multitude of comments I see he never changed, May God Bless his family and friends....The World is a MUCH better place for having Marty.
Harry Shannon
July 1, 2011
Marty and Ed Gorman gave me my first shot as a mystery author through Five Star/Tekno. Although we never met face to face, he was a smart and funny man who meant a lot to authors all over the world. He will be missed.
Ron Ruthfield
July 1, 2011
Although I hadn't seen or spoken with Marty in many years, I remember him as a quiet, bright and thoughtful individual throughout our elementary and high school years on Miami Beach. His passing is a profound loss.
Ron Ruthfield, Boone, NC
Gareth Stevens
June 29, 2011
I was shocked to hear the news - and saddened that we did not spend time with each other over the last decade! Marty made a wonderful difference to my fledgling children's book publishing company in the 1980s and 1990s, working on anthologies of science fiction for children and encouraging Isaac Asimov to work with a green (old sense) Milwaukee-based publisher. He was always encouraging to us, through the company's sprints stumbles alike.
Hon. William E. Hanrahan
June 29, 2011
Over the course of his long teaching career, Professor Greenberg most certainly has inspired hundreds of other students like myself. In the classroom, he challenged us to hone our critical thinking skills; by his example, we were inspired by his keen intellect, quick wit, humility and charm. Life-lessons not, merely political science, was Professor Greenberg's contribution to these malleable young minds. Without question, his spirit lives on in the many that he has touched.
June 28, 2011
I really enjoyed Martin, he was a great face to see everyday when he was in my care. (Lacey K. Green Bay, WI)
Tom Caldie
June 28, 2011
We admired and loved Marty as a teacher and will miss him very much. We think of him every time we go to the library or the bookstores. Our condolences to his family. Tom & Theresa Caldie
June 28, 2011
Cousin Martin was a warm, compassionate man. We were all impressed with his incredible achievements. He will be missed by his family. Condolences to Rosalind and his daughters. Love Bruce and Rhonda Erdreich(New Jersey)
Stephen Mertz
June 27, 2011
My sincere condolences to Marty's family and my friends at Tekno Books during this sad time.
Paul Abramson
June 27, 2011
Dr. Greenberg was a great spirit, who encouraged me with his wit and wisdom during my days with Wisconsin Public TV on the UWGB campus. Paul Abramson, Madison WI
Carol Pollis
June 27, 2011
Marty was unassuming, wonderfully eccentric in some ways and deeply humane. I remember when he retired and cleared out his office, which had been a former conference room. He did not invite guests into his office because there was no place to sit--he spoke to them through a crack in the door. Every space was taken with books, papers and other materials related to his work, stacked to the ceiling! Marty maintained the catalogue of this material in his mind and could access anything in a second. His memory was extraordinary and he was a talent whose vast work has and will continue to impact many. May he rest in peace. My deepest sympathies to his family. He will be missed.
C. C. Harrison
June 27, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Roz and the rest of Marty's family. His achievements in life were truly memorable, and he will live on through his work. He was a remarkable man, and I am honored to be one of his writers.
June 27, 2011
I recall Prof. Marty Greenberg , as a unique and wonderful Intellectual Collegue at UWGB , . . . in its formative years . He always had time to talk and visit with us , . . . even those of us across the campus in the Arts and in Senior Seminar classes . I enjoyed his insights and knowledge, alot ! To the Family of Dr. Marty Greenberg, . . . I extend my Sympathy and sincere Condolences .
Emeritus Ret-Prof . Robert ( Bob ) Pum UWGB .
June 27, 2011
So sad to see the news about Dr Greenberg. He was quite the guy and so enjoyed his classes. My condolences to his family. He touched many lives. Bonnie Schulz
Carole Nelson Douglas
June 27, 2011
This is a landmark loss to the world of fiction, but what a legacy Marty has left. Thousands of readers and writers and students "grew" their minds and horizons through his amazingly prolific life work.
Deep condolences to his family and the Tekno Books staff. Working with Marty and Tekno staff always felt like a "family" reunion with really smart and creative and fun folks. How lucky we all were.
Carol-Lynn Rossel
June 27, 2011
Rosalind, I just heard yesterday about Marty, and my heart is broken, my eyes brimful. There were years when it seemed Marty was a member of our immediate family, we had so much contact. I remember him with inordinate fondness and gratitude for all his kindness and for his friendship. I am so proud I had the chance, over the decades, to work with him, and I know Charles is, too. So many will miss him. He touched all of our lives in such a positive way.
Fondly, Carol-Lynn Rossel
A. Ahmad
June 26, 2011
About 30 years ago, his classes introduced me to the world of political science and science fiction when I was an impressionable kid from the other side of the globe. RIP Dr Greenberg. You will be missed.
Deb Stover
June 26, 2011
Marty will live on through his work, and through the voices of the many authors who were lucky enough to have worked with him. I am among the fortunate, and he will be missed.
Darby Kern
June 26, 2011
My condolences to Dr. Greenberg's family. Marty was a wonderful man and I admired him very much. I will always remember his generosity and sweet nature. Shalom.
Gardner Goldsmith
June 26, 2011
His influence on my life and tastes in fiction has been profound. I never met him, but have met many authors who worked with him and held him in high regard. RIP, Mr. Greenberg, from an ardent fan and student of the good work you produced.
Toni L.P. Kelner
June 26, 2011
My condolences for Marty's family. Marty was just a gift to writers, and a sweetheart besides. I'll miss him.
Bill Crider
June 26, 2011
My sympathies to Marty's family and his friends at Tekno Books. Marty did a lot for me, as he did for so many writers. He'll be greatly missed.
Garth KATNER
June 26, 2011
Marty was an exceptional human being AND humane academic - a rare thing among so many in that neck of the woods. I count it as an honor that he was my willing mentor for the short time we worked together!
Simon McCaffery
June 26, 2011
Marty was a friend to many genre writers and I was honored to have sold to him. My condolences on his passing.
Jim Dunbar
June 26, 2011
The most interesting teacher that I had at the University. A very nice, and extremely intelligent man. I have always searched out his anthologies for enjoyable reading. Rest in peace Martin. You will be missed!
Sister Jean Peerenboom
June 26, 2011
My sympathies to Marty's family. I had him as an instructor when I was at UWGB and UW-Fox Valley. I worked with him when I was a book reviewer and newspaper reporter. He was an excellent source on the Mideast politics and a great person to talk with. I miss him and you are all in my prayers. Sister Jean Peerenboom
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