20 Elul 5777
September 11, 2017
To the Rodeph Sholom Family:
The entire Rodeph Sholom family is heartbroken to record the passing of Marvin Gellman, supremely devoted husband to our beloved Senior Cantor Rebecca Garfein.
Marv was a public relations genius. He was deeply respected throughout the industry and enjoyed renown as Vice President and Director of Media Relations of Ketchum PR.
A native New Jersey boy, Marv loved the Boss as well as the Beatles. He was a drummer in the “garage rock” band The Beachnuts, which recorded songs that attracted devoted followings for many years. Marv was so thrilled when the band reunited a half-century later and performed at The Wonderbar in front of a large crowd.
Marv was a tremendous supporter of his wife Rebecca’s distinguished cantorial and concert career. He was a trusted advisor and devoted fan. They had a beautiful marriage for 19 years.
Marv was a fabulous father and leaves behind Andrew (Erica), Steven, (Jennifer), Max and Jake and grandchildren Zach and Ella. He was a loving brother to Larry (Susan) and uncle to their children Hunter and Evan.
Marv fought a hard battle against leukemia for four years. Throughout he was incredibly courageous and deeply concerned with how everyone else was faring. A true gentleman, his kindness, caring and love of Congregation Rodeph Sholom will never be forgotten.
Funeral services will be held at Congregation Rodeph Sholom, 7 West 83 Street on Thursday, September 14, at 12pm, noon. Interment will follow the service at Sons of Israel Cemetery, Englishtown, NJ. Shiva will be observed on Thursday evening, following interment at Mike’s brother and sister-in-law’s, Larry and Susan Gellman: 39 Churchill Street, Freehold, NJ. Minyan service at 5:30 pm.
On Sunday, September 17th, shiva will be held at Congregation Rodeph Sholom from 4-7 pm. Minyan service at 5:30pm.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to either the Rodeph Sholom’s General Music Fund: https://rodephsholom.org/give/ways-to-give/or Weill Cornell’s Leukemia Fighters: https://cornellleukemia.com/leukemia-fighters/
Warmly,
Rabbi Robert N. Levine
Senior Rabbi
