San Rafael Couple Killed in Richmond Crash Had Just Celebrated 50-Year Anniversary

Marlene and Martin Gershik, the couple killed in a car crash in Richmond on July 10, married each other — the loves of their lives — in June 1963, according to an obituary on legacy.com.

They died together, less than a month after they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their children and grandchildren in Mexico. Marlene was 68 and Martin was 72. 

They were both born in Brooklyn, New York. Martin was drafted into the army after graduating from Jefferson High School, which would create material for stories told at family gatherings for the next 50 years, according to the obituary.

Martin, a retail executive, worked at shops including Lord and Taylor, Macy’s, Sears, The Emporium and Sears and mentored “hundreds of young professionals” in the shoe industry.

Marlene operated the shoe store Spats in Mill Valley before becoming a registered nurse.

The duo was very involved in the local community. She was a volunteer teacher at Sun Valley Elementary School in San Rafael and he was briefly a school crossing guard in Ross, until his efforts to entertain parents and children slowed traffic.

They are survived by their sons, Novato’s David Gershik and San Ramon’s Steven Gershik, their daughter-in-laws Melinna and Lani Gershik and their four grandchildren, Samuel, Leo, Alison and Sarah.

The family asks that donations be made in the couple’s memory to Congregation Rodef Sholom or Camp Tawonga.