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MEMORIAL ARTICLE
Published Assembly Jan 2003
Martin B. Feldman * '46
No. 15614 * 20 May 1924 - 3 Jan 2002
Died in Los Angeles, CA * Interred in West Point Cemetery, West
Point, NY |
Martin Bruce Feldman was born and raised in New
York City. Marty went to school on New York's Lower East Side
in his early years. Later, his family moved to Long Island. His
father was the manager of the Fur Department of the prestigious
Bergdorf Goodman. Marty attended Phillips Academy in Andover,
MA and graduated in 1942. He attended Yale for a year before
gaining a presidential appointment from Franklin D. Roosevelt
to West Point where he joined the Class of 1946 on 1 July 1943.
Cadet life in B2 Company presented no major problems for Marty.
Roommate, Jim Carbine recalled: "Having Marty as a roommate
had many advantages since he was a model cadet and was very intelligent.
Being from the NYC area, he was fortunate enough to have a girl
friend visit him often and their friendship spilled over to the
rest of us and made life a little more bearable." Another
roommate, Roy Gillig, remembered: "He was a master in officiating
disputes ending our discussions on a high note. We formed a tight
group who considered our large room overlooking the Plain as
a sanctuary for free-ranging thoughts and expressions."
Marty graduated as a second lieutenant in the Field Artillery.
During graduation leave, Marty married Phyllis Behrens in New
York City on 23 June 1946. The Feldmans then went to Ft Sill,
Ok for basic Artillery schooling and then to Ft Bliss, TX for
more school. His first assignment was to Camp Bender, Japan which
was close to Camp Drew outside of Tokyo. Upon returning to the
States, Marty transferred to the Air Force. In 1950, Marty left
the Air Force to join his father in the fur business in New York.
Marty discovered he was a natural for the garment industry. In
a short time, he became an executive at Bergdorf Goodman. He
then branched out into the lingerie business and was extremely
successful. He was an executive in all the large companies, Bali,
Van Raalte, Lily of France, etc. In 1975 his marriage to Phyllis
ended. In 1978, Marty moved to Los Angeles to become President
of Glydons, a lingerie company. He hired Bob Macke, who made
costumes for Carol Burnett, Cher and other stars, as his designer
for that company. In 1981, Marty semi retired and served as a
consultant. In 1985, Marty married Fae (Dolly) Collins on December
21 at Las Vegas, NV. In 1990, Marty fully retired and it was
about that time that his health started to deteriorate.
Marty survived two open-heart surgeries and several strokes and
was hospitalized in November 2001 for the last time. He died
3 January 2002 in the Cardiac ICU at UCLA. Survivors include
his wife, Dolly and daughters, Jamie, Lisa, Ann and Alice.
Marty Feldman was loved and respected by all that knew him. Their
remembrances tell us much about a distinguished son of West Point.
Roommate and neighbor in retirement, Max Feibelman, recalled
his friend: "Marty was one of the most loyal friends in
the world. He always had his door open to help his friends whenever
their needs became known. Marty held his own with the giants
of his industry. His classmates will truly miss him. They will
also remember him as a first class soldier and gentleman who
lived up to the code of West Point."
At Marty's memorial service, his daughter, Ann, delivered a eulogy.
Here are excerpts from her comments: "I think Dad had fun
with his children. Daddy made the best French pancakes on Sunday.
Best of all, Daddy shared our love of animals. Just a few years
ago, Alice and I were able to share a memorable trip to Italy
with Dad and Dolly. I am so grateful for all the time we had
together. And then there's Dolly. You were his life, his world
for the past 24 years. Daddy adored you, as you did him. As a
daughter, it's difficult to imagine and accept that my father
is no longer here on this earth, but I cannot fathom the depth
of your loss. I'll miss my father, my daddy, my buddy, but he
lives on in my heart forever."
Daughter, Lisa, provided remarks at the graveside service at
West Point. Here are excerpts: "My Dad's favorite things
were his wife, his kids, everyone else's kids, his cats and everyone
else's cats. Also, sailing, being near the water, any water,
naps in the sun and his sunglasses. And then, his cats, his kids
and his wife."
Marty's wife, Dolly, remembered the love of her life: "Marty
Feldman and I were together for twenty four years and our love
deepened as time passed. Marty brought me a great deal of happiness.
He was a true gentleman, loved by my mother, my friends and me.
The values taught at West Point were a deep part of his life.
He was a quiet man who never lost his temper and we shared mutual
respect. I truly miss Marty and my love for him will always remain."
To these expressions of love and affection, the Class of 1946
is honored to add those words that would mean so much to our
classmate: "Well Done, Marty; Be Thou At Peace!"
'46 Memorial Article Project and his family
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