Martin Gary Mand

Wilmington, Del. – Martin Gary Mand, born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia, and a resident of Wilmington, Delaware, for 65 years, passed away the evening of October 8. He was 90 years old.

Marty leaves behind an incredible legacy of family, compassion, and commitment to the Jewish community. He lived a life of honesty, integrity, hard work, and kindness, values his children and grandchildren will carry with them forever.

Marty was an alumnus of Norfolk’s Maury High School, where he served as commencement speaker, a proud moment in his young life. He attended the University of Virginia, where he served in Naval ROTC, was a member of Zeta Beta Tau fraternity, and worked as an intramural basketball referee, all while earning his degree in business from the McIntire School of Commerce. After graduating in 1958, Marty fulfilled his U.S. Navy commitment by serving as a communications officer stationed in Morocco and then back home in Norfolk with NATO’s Supreme Allied Command-Atlantic before transitioning to reserve status.

Marty moved to Wilmington in 1961 to begin a nearly 30-year career at the DuPont company, during which time he earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of Delaware. His DuPont career culminated as vice president and treasurer, and he then left the company in 1990 to join Northern Telecom as executive vice president and chief financial officer. He retired from corporate life in 1995 and focused on his roles as a state-appointed arbitrator, business consultant, member of corporate boards, and co-author of Partnering for Performance. Up until his passing, many of his former colleagues at both DuPont and Northern Telecom routinely stayed in touch, sharing updates on their lives, reminiscing about the old days, and thanking Marty for the example he set.

The greatest gift of moving to Delaware in 1961 was meeting Anita Rochelle “Shelly” Cohen at a JCC event, sparking a courtship that would lead to their marriage in August 1965. Shelly was the love of his life. Together, they raised three sons, all graduates of Wilmington Friends School and the University of Virginia.

In addition to his devotion to his family and work, Marty made time to give back to the Wilmington and Jewish communities. He served as president of Congregation Beth Shalom, the Jewish Federation of Delaware, and the Milton and Hattie Kutz Home. He served on many other nonprofit boards and as a trusted adviser to countless people in Delaware and around the world. For his service to the community, Marty was awarded the JCC’s Harry Cohen Leadership Award and the Jewish Federation of Delaware’s Irving S. Shapiro Community Builder Award.

Marty had a passion for traveling, visiting more than 70 countries and nearly every U.S. state. He loved American history and cheered for his Philadelphia sports teams—especially the Eagles. He was well-known in the neighborhood for his long walks in the middle of his street while wearing his safety vest. His family cherishes him for the years he spent documenting his roots and his life’s lessons, preserving them for future generations.

Marty, who always said he lived a wonderful life that he never would have expected or imagined, leaves behind Shelly, his wife of 61 years; sons Gregory (Becky), Michael (Erin) and Brian (Tamara); grandchildren Emily, Maple, Daryn, O.B. and Alana; brother Jeffrey (Linda); brother-in law Bobby (Marilyn); and many other family members and friends. His parents, Lena and Meyer Mand predeceased him.

A private burial took place, with a memorial service at Congregation Beth Shalom in Wilmington.

The family requests donations in Marty’s memory be made to Congregation Beth Shalom’s Building Maintenance Fund or to the Jewish Federation of Delaware.