Martin (Marty) Nathanson was born September 17, 1940 in Providence, RI to Sunya Pearl and Joseph Nathanson. He spent his childhood in Worcester, MA, amidst a vibrant Jewish community. His life-long faith helped sustain the personal strength and optimism for which he became known. He went on to graduate from Clark University before serving in the U.S. Army National Guard.
Eventually settling in Boston’s North End, and later in a lovely home in Malden, Marty began his career with Travelers Insurance. He enjoyed working in the areas of human resources and sales with several companies, acquiring friends among colleagues everywhere he went.
Marty was married for over 30 years to Janice, whom he cared for after her diagnosis of cancer until she passed in 2012. He was a loving father to her three children, Corinne, Janice, and Marie Elena; and a proud grandfather to their children, Joseph, Derek, Nicole, Mario, Jaclyn, James, and Angela. Marty ultimately relocated to Richmond, VA in 2013 to be closer to his son David, daughter Ruth, and grandchildren Samantha and Avi, where he enthusiastically embraced life as Zayde, attending baseball games, acting as chauffeur, or helping prepare Shabbat dinner.
Family was everything to Marty. He devoted his life to being a sturdy presence on which they could rely. In Virginia, he gathered new friends at Richmond’s Chabad Community Synagogue; but he always looked forward with great excitement to returning to Boston to spend time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren there.
An animal lover, Marty cared for his and Janice’s dog Cassie for many years, then recently adopted Enzo, his constant companion.
Marty was predeceased by his wife Janice, and his sister Shirley Harrist. He leaves to mourn his passing his brother Gerald Nathanson, his children Ruth (Brian) Greene, David (Ann) Nathanson, Corinne (Brian) McHale, Janice (Robert) Nardella, Marie Elena (Gary) Withrow, grandchildren Samantha Greene and Avi Greene, Nicole Sforza Maggione, Mario Sforza, Jaclyn Sforza, Joseph and Derek Paru, James Withrow and Angela Withrow Plyler, several great grandchildren, as well as nieces and nephews, all of whom he was very proud.
Among the most valuable lessons Marty taught by example was the importance of appreciation. He was endlessly thankful for the small blessings in life. Even a sunny day did not go unnoticed. His sudden death leaves a large hole in the hearts of all of his family and friends. May it be filled with gratitude and fond memories.
A Graveside Funeral Service will be held at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, 185 Lake St., Peabody, MA 01960 at 1:30PM on Monday, September 15, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, Marty would have wanted a donation to The Richmond Animal League. https://www.ral.org/donate