Martin Rozenman

Martin L. “Marty” Rozenman, of Hilliard; beloved father of Laurel and Henry Rozenman; lifelong love of wife Nancy Richison; coach, mentor and friend to many; passed away Aug. 27. Marty was a true giver, and a kind, compassionate human being. A gifted writer and teacher, he shared his incredible sense of humor and joie de vivre with everyone he came in contact with. He was born Aug. 31, 1953 in Napoleon, Ohio to Sam and Mollie (Mandel) Rozenman, who predecease him. Following graduation from Ohio University with a degree in Journalism, Marty was the long-time editor of Suburban News Publications where he drew upon his natural talents and gave wise counsel to reporters and editors encouraging them to excel. He was a weekly sports columnist for The Other Paper, where he engaged readers with his dry wit and unique take on the world of sports. After leaving SNP, he worked as a reporter for the Columbus Dispatch. He won many awards for his writing and editing skills and in 2002 was named Suburban Journalist of the Year by Suburban Newspapers of America. He also was the recipient of the First Amendment Award and the Distinguished Service Award from the Central Ohio Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. He served as a member of the Goodwill Columbus Board of Directors, Society of Professional Journalists Board of Directors and the Riverside Methodist Hospital Institutional Review Board. An avid sports fan, Marty, or “Merf” as he was known to his softball teammates, was a fearless pitcher and a dedicated coach. In 1986, Marty was diagnosed with Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia, a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, but he never let it slow him down despite numerous health setbacks over the years. He is believed to be the youngest person ever diagnosed with WM. He lived life to the fullest enjoying wiffle ball games with his children; family vacations to Florida, Northern Michigan and Lake Erie; going to the movies; seeing his daughter play lacrosse; coaching his son’s baseball teams; and watching his beloved Cleveland Indians. In addition to his wife and children, other survivors include his brother Eric Rozenman of Fairfax, Va.; sister Cathy (Yoav) Tamari of Karmiel, Israel; mother-in-law Nina Richison of Springfield; brother-in-law Jim (Darla) Richison of Medina; sister-in-law Kathy Richison of Springfield; sister-in-law Jill Rozenman of Fairfax, Va.; nephews Natan and Ronen Tamari, and Alex Kubiak; nieces Jordana and Mikal Rozenman and a host of cousins and cherished friends, who are part of his extended family. Special thanks to the caring staff in the Riverside ICU; the many friends who have supported our family with prayers, and kind and thoughtful gestures; and to Dr. Earl Metz, who saved Marty’s life in 1992 – a gift for which we will be eternally grateful. Family will receive friends Sunday from 2-5 p.m. at THE TIDD FUNERAL HOME 5265 Norwich St. Hilliard, OH 43026 where a Memorial Service will take place Monday at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation, the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice. A light has gone out in our lives and we will never be the same, but we are better people for having known and loved Marty, and for having been loved by him.