Martin R. Resnick, the longtime owner and operator of the local Martin’s Caterers empire, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The Owings Mills resident was 93.
For generations, Baltimore area Jews and others have flocked to Martin’s for celebrations of their weddings, b’nai mitzvah, anniversaries and other life-cycle events, as well as for political, organizational and communal galas.
“Martin Resnick, affectionately known to many as Marty or ‘Marty Party,’ passed away leaving behind a legacy of joy, generosity, and a life well-lived,” his family wrote in a tribute on the Sol Levinson & Bros. website. “Born with an infectious enthusiasm and a flair for celebration, Marty earned his playful nickname not only for his vivacious personality but also through his lifelong dedication to Martin’s Caterers, a cornerstone of the Baltimore community since 1964.”
A Northwest Baltimore native, Resnick was the son of Louis Resnick, a local deli operator who later owned the Overlea Catering Hall.
For two years, Martin Resnick studied at the University of Maryland, with the goal of becoming a pharmacist, before dropping out and working as a buyer for such companies as Sears and the Hecht Co.
In 1964, Resnick decided to invest in building a catering facility. He founded Eudowood Gardens in Towson. Two years later, Martin’s North Point opened and then Martin’s West (with its location near Woodlawn off of I-695) in 1969.
Later catering halls were opened in Greenbelt, Walkersville, Hunt Valley and Upper Marlboro.
“What began as a vision transformed into a thriving local institution under Marty’s leadership,” his family wrote. “His passion for hospitality and his commitment to excellence turned Martin’s Caterers into a beloved enterprise, creating countless memorable events and opportunities for many.
“Marty’s impact extended beyond his business; he was a pillar of the community, contributing to various philanthropic causes, serving on the board of Morgan State University, and helping to establish both the University of Maryland Foundation and the Signal 13 Foundation.”
In a Dec. 2009 profile, Baltimore magazine wrote of Resnick, “If all of the Martins properties were filled to capacity at the same time, it would be like having all 14,000 residents of Aberdeen over for dinner in one night. They’ll do 3,500 events this year, and 70 percent of that will be repeat business. … Not bad for a college dropout who doesn’t know how to scramble eggs.”
Former Baltimore County Councilman Samuel Moxley described Resnick as ” honest, fair and determined to have the best facilities. His staff followed in his philosophy. I always remember his guidance and am forever grateful.”
On social media, Franklin Goodridge Jr., who worked for Resnick for nearly two decades, described him as a great mentor and friend. “Marty was more than just a boss — he cared for me on a deeply personal level, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without him,” Goodridge wrote. “Marty taught me everything about business responsibility, customer service, and how to be effective and punctual. He shaped not only my career but the way I’ve built my own brand, Hospitality Rockstars. So much of what we do today comes directly from the lessons he instilled in me.”
Above all else, Resnick was a devoted family man. “He shared an extraordinary 69 years of marriage with his wife, Thalia Dragon Resnick, a partnership marked by mutual respect, adventure, and unwavering affection,” his family wrote. “Together, they traveled the world, enjoyed vibrant social lives, and cherished time spent with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Marty was not just a dedicated businessman but also a playful and engaged father and grandfather. His spirited involvement in their lives included outings to ball games, circus performances, and endless rounds of duck-duck-goose.”
Resnick is survived by his children, Mark Resnick (A.J. Hora), Beth (Ted) Levitt, Wayne (Kim) Resnick, and Fran (Michael) Albert; by his brother, Yale (Barbara) Resnick; by his daughter-in-law, Ruth Resnick; by his grandchildren, Erin Resnick, Scott Levitt (fiancée Heather Hooper), Lauren (Meaghan) Carey, Shannon (Jay) Askinasi, Eric (Arden) Resnick, Steven Albert, Sami Albert and Gerry Brooks; by his great-grandchildren, Devin, Sage and Perri Askinasi, Landen, Joey and Graham Resnick, Ayden Carey and Tenley Hooper.
He was predeceased by his wife; his sister, Beverly (Laurence) Stappler, his grandson, Jordan Resnick, and his parents, Louis and Esther Resnick.
Services for Martin Resnick will be held Friday, Sept. 13, at 11:30 a.m. at Sol Levinson’s Chapel, 8900 Reisterstown Road, in Pikesville. Interment will be at Oheb Shalom Memorial Park-Berrymans Lane.
Contributions in his memory may be sent to Chabad of Maryland, 11621 Seven Locks Rd. Potomac, Maryland 20854 or the Michael J. Fox Foundation, P.O. Box 5014, Hagerstown, Maryland 21741-5014.
The family will be in mourning at 11111 Verdant Road in Owings Mills, on Friday following interment and on Sunday starting at 2 p.m. with services at 7 p.m.
“His boundless energy and commitment to spreading joy will be remembered fondly by all who had the pleasure of knowing him,” his family wrote. “He will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”
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