Martin Bernard Blank

Martin Bernard Blank passed away at his home, on December 16, 2015 with his wife by his side. He was born in Brooklyn, NY on July 28, 1932. He grew up in New York City where he lived until he left to attend Colgate University. After graduating, he spent the next four years as a Naval officer on a gunnery boat. This is where Marty discovered his love for sailing and his desire to see as much of the world as possible.

After the Navy, Marty decided to pursue a career in the fashion industry along with his father in the designer coat arena. After his father's retirement, he joined a firm that designed and produced women’s designer clothing and soon became the President of the company named Russell Taylor on Seventh Avenue. He traveled abroad in search of beautiful fabrics and unique designs for the next 20 years.

In 1982 he met Frances Evans Blank who had migrated to NY from Austin, Texas when she went to work for a division of Marty’s company. When traveling to Austin, Marty found he had a great love for the city of Austin. A place away from the busy pace of NY. He later married Frances in 1984 and he decided to “take her home” to a place they always wanted to live. Together they started a new business in vending and food service, Accent Food Services. Marty retired in 2005 and sold Accent in 2009. He spent the balance of his amazing life traveling to as many countries, in this beautiful world, as possible. Marty spent many happy hours sailing his boat on the East coast. He also spent time playing golf with buddies and enjoying life to its fullest.

Marty was a world traveler, an avid boater and golfer, a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and true friend to all. We will miss his strength, support, warm smile and love. Marty’s greatest love was people. He never met anyone he did not try to accommodate in any way he could. His love for God gave him a remarkable outlook on life and a love of his fellow man that was remarkable.

Marty is survived by his wife Frances Evans Blank; sister Phyllis Horowitz; children: Claudia Paradise, Barrett Blank (Martha) , Craig Winn (Janene) , Carrie Donnellan (Kris); grandchildren: Adam Blank, Alec Donnellan, Ava Paradise, Evan Donnellan and Justin Blank; and many more family members and loving friends. Marty was preceded in death by his parents Adolph and Sylvia Blank.

We would like to thank Hospice Austin for their loving care and thoughtful attention. Hospice supported Marty during the long months of his fight. Marty’s caregivers were there until the end and gave him tender and respectful care.

Memorial services will be held at Austin Christian Fellowship on December 27, 2015 at 3:00 pm. If you desire, in lieu of flowers, please make donations in Marty's name to Hospice Austin, 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX 78759 or Born Again Ministries, 5001 Allyson Court, Austin, TX 78744.