Martin Israel Gelman

Martin Israel Gelman passed away on January 1, 2026, surrounded by family at the age of 86. He was born on January 26, 1939, in Philadelphia, the son of Ray and Samuel Gelman. Marty’s parents were immigrants from Eastern Europe who stressed the importance of hard work and education in achieving the American dream. As a result of his upbringing, and despite being an academic himself, Marty always valued kindness, compassion, empathy, and generosity above academic achievement or title. Marty attended Temple University for both his undergraduate education and medical school.

After graduation, he met Sheila on a blind date. After a few more dates followed by a semester of long-distance letter writing, they soon married. From 1965 to 1967, he served as a Captain in the United States Air Force, stationed at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, where he practiced general medicine. It was there that he and Sheila discovered their love of hiking and skiing in the mountains of Utah.

After returning to Philadelphia for Marty to complete a radiology residency at Thomas Jefferson University, they moved back to Salt Lake City in 1971. Marty worked for 40 years as a radiologist, first at the University of Utah, then at Pioneer Valley Hospital, and ultimately returning to the University to complete his career. He found finishing his career at the University of Utah to be especially rewarding, as it allowed him to train and work closely with young residents. Throughout his career, Marty authored numerous papers, wrote a book on skeletal radiology, and attended and presented at conferences around the world. While he was a deeply committed physician, Marty’s greatest priority was being a loving and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. He treasured time with his family and loved skiing and spending time outdoors. A true renaissance man, he also enjoyed baking, entertaining, gardening, and “patchying” around the house—often needing to be called multiple times before finally sitting down for dinner. Marty was always up for an adventure and traveled the world, visiting more than 90 countries.

In retirement, Marty remained active and engaged. He took adult Spanish classes, volunteered extensively, and served on numerous committees. A particular highlight was serving as Chairman of the Jewish Federation during the Anne Frank exhibit at the Salt Lake City Public Library, where high school students from across the state had the opportunity to learn about Anne Frank and the Holocaust. Marty was also a member of Millcreek Rotary, Holladay Interfaith, 20-man club, an investment club, and a book club. Marty hoped to impart humility, kindness, and compassion to his children and grandchildren, and that they, in turn, would pass these values on to future generations.

Our family is deeply grateful for the exceptional and compassionate medical care provided at Huntsman Cancer Institute and would especially like to thank Dr. Paul Shami and the blood cancer team, Dr. Stults, Meredith Bannon, and Jennifer Pannunzio. We would also heartfully thank Mary Turner, Marty’s caregiver.

Marty is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Sheila Gelman; daughter Lisa Gelman and Matthew Kenigsberg; daughter Stephanie Gelman and Peter Moskowitz; son Andrew Gelman and Rosie Lenehan; and his grandchildren, Raina, Josh, and Zach Kenigsberg; Jessie and Micah Moskowitz; and Sam and George Gelman and sister Marlene Greenspan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Jewish Family Service, United Jewish Federation of Utah, or Huntsman Cancer Institute.

A memorial Service will be held at Temple Har Shalom, Sunday, January 4th @ 12:30 pm, followed by a private burial.