Martin Flanzbaum

• Retired teacher
• Susan E. Wagner HS, Staten Island

When Susan E. Wagner HS opened its doors in 1968, Martin Flanzbaum was part of its original staff. Though his teaching career began at Erasmus Hall HS in Brooklyn, he spent more than two decades at Wagner. He taught social studies for a total of 33 years and served as a lead grade adviser at Wagner for seven of those years. A UFT member for more than 50 years, he retired in 1990. He died of coronavirus on April 4, 2020.

Marty, as he was affectionately called by friends and colleagues, was known for his sense of humor and his zest for life, and he was loved by coworkers and students alike. “Whenever we ran into former students, they had wonderful stories to relate,” said Sheila Siegel, his partner of eight years.

Marty was born in Manhattan in 1931 and spent his childhood in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn, attending Lafayette HS and Brooklyn College. He received a master’s degree from Richmond College. In 1954, he married Ruth Schmeltz, who died in 2011.

After retirement, Marty worked on his golf game, traveled the world and enjoyed theater, one of his passions. He became an enthusiastic member of the Staten Island Bridge Club, and he played competitively with the club for almost three decades. He was the club’s Player of the Year in 2019.

In addition to his partner Sheila, Marty is survived by his loving daughters Hilene and Beth Flanzbaum, and his granddaughters Susanah and Violet Flanzbaum.

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