Martin Morris Koshar

Martin M. Koshar, of Montverde, passed away on January 12, 2024 at the age of 90, with his family at his side. He was born on March 28, 1933 in Brooklyn, NY and grew up in Patchogue, NY. While attending Clarkson University, Martin met his cherished wife of 67 years, Claire Freedman.

Upon graduation from Clarkson in 1955, Mr. Koshar joined the Glen L. Martin company (Martin Marietta and now Lockheed Martin Corp.), to begin a long and distinguished career in the defense industry. This included multiple nationally significant programs: TITAN II, Pershing II, ASALM, and LANTIRN fire control system. He directed the Pershing II tactical ballistic missile system, which resulted in the dissolution of the USSR and the end of the Cold War. In 1988, Martin was named President of Martin Marietta's Aero and Naval Systems Division. In a consultant capacity, he supported the US Missile Defense Agency.

Martin, known to his family, friends, and colleagues as Marty, was a passionate sailor. He found joy navigating open waters to the Bahamas with family and friends. As a participant in the Performing Arts, Marty danced as one of the party guests in the Nutcracker Ballet, with Orlando's Ballet Royal for many seasons.

He is survived by his beloved wife Claire, his children Jan (Tim), Jonathan (Lauren), Jennifer (Craig, deceased), and grandchildren Jessica (Brit), Benjamin, Lily, Veronica (Stephen), Theodore, and great-grandson Glenn.

A memorial service will be held on January 19, 2024 at 11:00am at the Woodlawn Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Rd., Gotha, FL 34734. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Claire & Martin Koshar Writing Endowment via Potsdam.edu/memorial (designate "Martin Koshar".)