Martin F. Kumer

Martin F. "Marty" Kumer, age 89, passed away peacefully Monday, March 25, 2024 at Saint Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA. Marty was born September 13, 1934 in Pittsburgh, PA and grew up in Universal, PA. He was afflicted with polio at age 9, which caused him a life-long disability in his left arm. Nonetheless, he enjoyed a very happy childhood with his siblings, Max, Jack, and Grace Ann "Taby", and his loving parents, Grace and Max Sr., all of whom have preceded him in death. Despite his disabled arm, he loved to play football. He played fullback for his school, earning himself the nickname "Crazy Legs Mart" with his fast and unique running style.

He attended Penn State University where he met his wife, Gayle DeBonis Kumer, who also preceded him in death. They welcomed two children, and in 1976, moved to Monroeville where they spent their family years.

Marty enjoyed his career in advertising, starting at Pomeroy's department store and ending at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, with some twists and turns through Harrisburg and Philadelphia. Some of his Pomeroy's coworkers became his closest friends, particularly Earl Brandt and Mike Hamlin.

He dearly loved all of his neighbors and shared fond stories of them regularly. Marty was an original owner in his housing development and proud to have been there for almost 50 years. His neighbors took great care of him in his later years. For this he was very grateful.

Marty was passionate about his Slovenian roots. He visited Slovenia on three occasions, each time more eagerly than the last. He felt as close to his family overseas as he did to his family in the US, knowing that his Slovenian relatives were the link to his treasured heritage. Marty stayed in regular contact with his Slovenian family and thought of them often. He was devoted to the Slovenian National Benefit Society (SNPJ), a fraternal organization of which he was a member his whole life. From this fraternal organization also sprung some of his closest friends. Some of his most cherished memories happened at the SNPJ "Campsite."

Marty played countless hours of Contract Bridge. He was a member of several Bridge clubs and earned "Gold Life Master" from the American Contract Bridge League, playing competitively well into his late eighties. His bridge partners and friends were very dear to him.

Marty collected good friends wherever he went because of his quick sense of humor, generous spirit, and down-to-earth personality. Even in his final years, he enjoyed time with his newfound friends in Erie and Yardley, PA as he had extended stays with his children and their families.

He is survived by his children, Joseph (Rhonda) Kumer and Holly (Greg) Lazzaro; his grandchildren, Joseph (Danielle Tempest) Kumer, David (Teiahniah Tatum) Kumer, Gianna Lazzaro, and Sofia Lazzaro; his great-grandchildren, Daleah, David, King, Dream, and Skyla; and his dear cousin, Marlene Dean.

He will be pleased to find Max, Jack, Lou, and Earl welcoming him to heaven's gates with a cold beer. Gayle will escort him to a nice comfy chair for the Penn State games and a few hands of bridge and he will visit his parents in the evenings.

We'll see you in a bit, pap. Keep the light on for us.

Family and friends are invited to gather at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4503 William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146 on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 9:30 am until the time of the Memorial Service there at 11 am. Arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Erie, PA. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SNPJ Recreation Center: Cabin Renovations Fund, 247 West Allegheny Road, Imperial, PA 15126 or to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 4503 William Penn Highway, Monroeville, PA 15146.