Martin "Marty" Gottesdiener

1924 - 2017

Waterford - Martin Gottesdiener passed peacefully in his sleep on Jan. 8, 2017. He was surrounded by family.

Marty was born to Isadore and Lena Gottesdiener on Nov. 15, 1924, in Brooklyn, N.Y. In 1938, the family moved to New London where Marty attended the Bulkeley School and played right guard on their powerhouse football team.

After graduation, Marty joined the U.S. Army where he served with distinction as a forward observer in the field artillery during World War II. He was discharged after the war, a Staff Sgt., and earned two ribbons and two metals. He carried the pride of service for the rest of his life.

After the war, Marty attended the University of Connecticut where he studied accounting and law. In the summer of 1952, Marty met Barbara Jacobs on the boardwalk of Ocean Beach Park, and married her in the spring of 1953. She became his wife of 63 years, and together they had four beloved children. They raised their children to be kind, hard working and ethical. They will always be his pride and joy.

Newly married, a growing family, and his service and education behind him, Marty set out to make his mark in the business world. He started Martin Gottesdiener & Company, CPA's and built a reputation as an astute business advisor, turnaround specialist, and entrepreneur. He was known for his fierce loyalty to his clients and friends and their businesses. He founded two banks including the Bank of Southeastern CT. At times he ran numerous other businesses including Pilgrim Airlines, car dealerships, a resort, and travel companies.

In his 50s, after some "gentle" prodding by his beloved wife, Marty put down his trusty pipe and cigars, and discovered the fitness craze, taking up golf, tennis, and running with passion. Periodically, Marty would slow down enough to travel the world with his wife. He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild deeply, and instilled in them his most closely-held values, education, hard work and integrity. He will be remembered for his intelligence, sharp wit, work ethic, war stories, and endearing and charismatic smile.

Marty is survived by his cherished wife, Barbara Jacobs Gottesdiener; his four children, Dr. Keith Gottesdiener, Bart Gottesdiener, Lawrence Gottesdiener, and Amy Gottesdiener; his daughters-in-law, Beth Jacobs and Robyn Belek Gottesdiener; his younger brother, Emanuel; his sisters-in-law, Shirley and Ray (wife of his older brother Nathan, who passed in 2002); six grandchildren, Laura, Andrew, Matthew, Ben, Jesse, and Asher; and one great-grandchild, Aaron Gottesdiener.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, at Beth El Synagogue, New London, with burial to follow at the Beth El Cemetery in Groton. Shiva will be held from 3 to 9 p.m. on Jan. 10 at the family's home, 11 Oswegatchie Road, Waterford.