Martin Donald Rosman

Mordechai Dov ben Belka ha’ Kohen

June 25, 1947 – June 27, 2025

US Army Vietnam Veteran

May his memory be a blessing, now and forever.

Marty passed away suddenly on June 27, 2025 after decades of battling COPD due to Agent Orange. Beloved husband, soulmate, and best friend of Sharon (née Bunnell) Rosman; devoted father of Elizabeth Barber (Sean, deceased; fiancé Glen Carpenter), Caroline Rosman (Brian) McKee, and Jonathan Rosman (significant other, Nikki Tobin); proud Zeyde of Nova Barber, Kai Palmer, and Lenore “Yoshi” McKee. Cherished brother of Jeffrey (Joyce née McMahon) Rosman; Marty is also survived by many beloved extended family members and dear friends.

He is predeceased by his parents, Abraham and Bella (née Rubin) Rosman; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Clark and Erna (née Vogler) Bunnell; and other family members who welcomed him home with open arms.

Born in Morristown, NJ, Marty grew up in a traditional Orthodox Jewish home as the child of first-generation Russian and Polish immigrants. Alongside his schoolwork, he worked at his father’s grocery store, Abe’s Quality Market in Secaucus, NJ, where he played every role: cashier, stock boy, delivery driver, and accountant. At just 16, he graduated from North Bergen High School, Class of ’64 — a smart boy with a quick wit and a practical streak.

In May 1966, knowing his draft number was soon to be called, Marty volunteered for three years in the U.S. Army, serving in the 9th Infantry Division (“Flaming Assholes”) until May 1969. Trained as an aircraft electrician, he bravely retrieved downed helicopters and sensitive intelligence, missions about which he remained deeply private. He earned the National Defense Service Medal, three Bronze Svc Stars, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, two Overseas Bars, the Sharpshooter Badge, and the Army Commendation Medal — which still hangs proudly at home. Ever mysterious, following his passing, his military code name was recently revealed, but we won't tell.

A love story for the ages: After returning home, Marty joined Alpha Sigma Mu Veterans Fraternity. In the fall of 1969, Sharon’s college roommates begged her to join them at a fraternity party. Sharon insisted she would never permitted to go to a party without an escort. At the party, her friends urged Marty to call her — he protested that he didn’t even have a dime. Someone handed him a coin, he called, and off he went to pick her up. He returned triumphantly with Sharon, and as his fraternity brothers would say, they’ve been together ever since. After Sharon’s conversion to Judaism, they married on August 29,1971.

Marty graduated from Newark College of Engineering (now NJIT) with a Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering. He worked in the World Trade Center, using Oracle to manage critical databases for nuclear power plants, Fortune 500 websites, rockets, and space shuttles. His final professional chapter was as a NASA contractor overseeing space shuttle data systems. The family especially loved seeing his “@NASA.gov” email — it was so cool.

A pioneer in the database world, Marty was on the original Oracle database team and is published in multiple technical contributions. He was sought after and pulled into major consulting projects, including the HIPAA database and crucial Y2K preparations — during which he barely slept, ensuring nothing went wrong as the clocks struck midnight.

After living in Glen Ridge and Toms River, NJ, Marty moved the family to Merritt Island, FL — as the kids say, he "switched centers" from the Trade Center to the Space Center (and they got a pool!). Later, he retired to Crystal River to be close to family.

Marty’s many passions: For a socially reserved man, Marty lived life fully. In earlier years, he earned a private pilot’s license and loved scuba diving — passions he gave up only because of COPD from Agent Orange exposure. He and Sharon traveled extensively: Israel, France, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and island escapes to Key West, Barbados, the Bahamas, and St. Vincent. He even returned to Vietnam for closure, alongside his dear cousin Art Fishman.

An avid cruiser, he proudly achieved Diamond Plus status with Royal Caribbean and was working toward the Pinnacle Club. Marty’s love of photography (and his "do not touch" camera gear) resulted in images worthy of National Geographic — particularly his breathtaking photos of Israel, nature and animals that will remain treasured family heirlooms.

In Merritt Island, ahead of the craft beer craze, Marty took up home brewing with his best friend John Ryan. He even made birch beer just for the kids — a huge treat since soda was otherwise off-limits. The children loved showing their friends the kegs in the garage. In retirement, he also became a passionate home cook, sharing recipes and spices (especially Penzeys) and developing impressive vegetarian dishes enjoyed by all.

Marty in spirit: He was exceptionally intelligent with a sharp, quick wit — and never one to play "keeping up with the Joneses." Not materialistic, he clung to his favorite ripped cut-off jeans until Sharon finally intervened. Never interested in gossip, he had a catalog of dad jokes ready to go — ranging from clever ("Black Beans Matter") to those that made Sharon's part blush. His humor sometimes soared over our heads, but that was just Marty: too smart, too witty, and fully himself.

If he ever offended anyone, we extend a heartfelt "Happy Birthday" — a classic inside joke for those who knew him best.

To understand his spirit, one story sums it up: Upon returning from Vietnam, Marty was assigned riot duty in New Jersey. As his platoon stood in formation, the officer asked, "Rosman, what would you do if a rioter was about to throw a brick at you?" Marty deadpanned, "Shoot the son of a bitch." When told, "What if you were ordered not to shoot?" he replied again, "Shoot the son of a bitch, sir." When asked a third time, Marty simply said, "I didn’t survive Vietnam to get killed in New Jersey."

A devoted father: Though he worked long hours, he was always present. He brought home carrots from the train station to indulge his twins who believed the carrots could "improve their vision," helped peddle Girl Scout cookies, and dutifully attended every orchestra recital — including enduring church services just to hear his daughters play Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus. He proudly served as assistant scoutmaster for Troop 343, beaming when Jon achieved Eagle Scout rank (with astronaut Fred Hayes attending). He also joined Jonathan’s Aviation Explorer post as an adult leader. There is so much more to share, but that will be another time.

Service details: A graveside funeral service will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at 1:30 pm, at Florida National Cemetery, 6502 SW 102nd Ave, Bushnell, FL 33513. In true Marty spirit and to honor his love of Jimmy Buffett, attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite tropical or Hawaiian shirts. Let’s send him off with a "Fin Up!"

In respect of our families' traditions, please do not send flowers. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions, in Marty's name, may be made to Disabled American Veterans Chapter 158 https://davchapter158.org/donate-DAV158.html or Chabad at Wiregrass https://www.chabadatwiregrass.com/.

We invite you to share your stories, photos, and condolences on this dedicated webpage. Your memories will bring comfort to the family — and yes, one funeral director in particular hopes you’ll share photos since Marty usually stayed behind the camera.

Arrangements entrusted to

Fero Funeral Home, Beverly Hills, FL

352-746-4551, www.ferofuneralhome.com

and

Thibadeau Mortuary Service, P.A., Gaithersburg, MD

301-495-4950, www.InterFaithFunerals.com