Martin "Marty" Reisner, age 78, of West Bend, formerly of New Britain and Chester Connecticut, passed away Friday July 31, 2009 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee after a long illness.
He was born on July 16, 1931 in Brooklyn, New York. Marty graduated from grade school in Brooklyn, and in New Britain High School in 1949. He then attended Boston University and earned his B.S. Degree in 1953, and his Masters Degree in 1954 in Physical Education. Marty later attended the University of Hartford and earned his certificate in Secondary Administration.
After his schooling Marty spent the next two years serving his country in the United States Army in Europe. After his service, Marty became employed by the Newington School System in Connecticut where he taught physical education and coached from elementary through high school from 1956 until his retirement in 1991.
On January 19, 1957 Marty was united in marriage to Joyce Tobias in Great Neck, New York. They resided in Connecticut until moving to West Bend in 2006 to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Marty loved his family and devoted as much time as possible to his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had a great passion for teaching and enjoyed each new class of students, and even after retirement he never stopped coaching. Marty was a real sports fan, especially for his favorite teams, the Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Dodgers (now in L.A.), the New York Giants, and when he wasn't at a University of Connecticut Women's Basketball game he watched them on TV. He also enjoyed salt-water fishing.
Marty takes with him a veritable showcase of basketball accomplishments, which earned him induction into the New Britain Sports Hall of Fame in 1997. For example, he spearheaded New Britain High School's 1948-49 basketball team to the Connecticut Class "L" championship, and a runner-up finish in the New England's. Following all of that action, Marty was selected to the Class "L" All-State first team, the Class "L" tournament first team, and first team All-New England. He went on to star at Boston University from 1950-53, and Captained the Terriers during the 1952-53 season. As a coach, Marty directed the fortunes of Newington High's basketball teams for 17 years, during which the Indians had ten straight winning seasons, won two Central Valley Conference titles, and competed in State Class "M" tournaments. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Joyce Reisner; three children, Lori (Paul) Bovard of Naperville, IL, Eric (Jodi) Reisner of Brookfield, WI, and Mark (Nancy) Reisner of West Bend, WI; five grandchildren, Paige, Lynn, and Alexis Bovard, Amanda and Christopher Reisner; two step-grandchildren, Amy (Todd) Poniewaz, and Kari Johnson; a nephew, Elliott (Ruth) Croll of North Haven, CT; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sisters.
A memorial service in remembrance of Marty will be held on Wednesday August 5th at 7:00 pm at the Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral Home, West Bend. Visitation will be Wednesday at the funeral home from 5:00 pm until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Heart Association are appreciated. Cremation took place at Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service.
A memorial service with family and Marty's many friends will be held in Connecticut in September with a date to be announced.