Martin A. Gozdenovich

Loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather Martin Gozdenovich, aka Marty Goz, was born in his childhood home in Fairview NJ on November 5, 1937 and passed away peacefully in his sleep at home in Sparta on January 10, 2024.

Marty moved his family from Palisades Park, NJ to Sparta, NJ in 1967 where he had resided ever since.

Predeceased by his son David Gozdenovich, Marty is survived by his beloved wife of 67 years Arlene, daughters Donna Zimmermann (Rick) of Sparta and Kim Pierson (Glenn) of Summerville, SC, son Martin Gozdenovich (Patty) of Sparta, nine grandchildren, Erik Zimmermann, Bryan Zimmermann (Kelli), Aimee Zimmermann Harrington (David), Rane Pierson (Ariana), Tory Pierson Lewis (Jonathan), Dakota Pierson, Devin Gozdenovich, Beck Gozdenovich, Luke Gozdenovich, and eight great grandchildren.

After graduating from Cliffside Park High School in 1955 Marty went on to join the US Army. While stationed in Germany serving as an Army Military Policeman, he was joined by his high school sweetheart, Arlene Reinert, in 1956 and they were married. Upon returning to the United States he attended Fairleigh Dickinson University Teaneck and received a BS degree in Business Administration in 1962. He went on to found and operate several businesses over his long career in sales, marketing and manufacturing.

Marty’s real passion, other than his family, was basketball. He played on the varsity team for Cliffside Park High School, leading the team in points each year. The team went on to become State Champions in both 1954 and 1955. Marty picked up the basketball once again to play Division 1 college ball. While attending FDU he set records in both points scored and rebounds. Marty became a 1,000 point scorer in the era prior to the 3 point shot. He was named All Tri- State League twice and three times named All-East Weekly Selection, Eastern College Athlete League. Marty was inducted into the Cliffside Park High School Hall of Fame in 2013.

A memorial service for Marty will be held on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 from 11AM – 2PM at Goble Funeral Home 22 Main St., Sparta, NJ 07871. Prayer service will begin at 1:30PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Marty’s memory to the Wounded Warriors Project by clicking the link below.

https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Default.aspx?tsid=11585&ovr_acv_id=16821&campaignSource=ONLINE&source=BS24001AAABREAA&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI252vvOeFhAMVXFxHAR0doQbKEAAYASAAEgLNCfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds