Bike Procession To Honor Marty Epstein In Morristown

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Funeral arrangements have been announced for Marty Epstein, a cycling shop owner who wanted to "save the world with bicycles" who passed away on Thursday. He was 69.

A funeral will be held on Monday, May 6 at Temple B'Nai Or (60 Overlook Road, Morristown). Cyclists are invited to join a slow pace procession (about 10 miles per hour) from the temple to the Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar Knolls. Bicycling attire is allowed in the temple, and the procession will have a police escort.

The Epstein family will sit Shiva at son Jesse's home (10 Benjamin Road, Chester), Monday through Wednesday, from 5 to 8 p.m.

According to the Marty's Reliable Cycles website:

Martin Dale Epstein is survived by three children: Jesse and his wife Johanna of Chester; Molly Lyristis of Seattle, WA; and Jonathon of Queens, NY; grandchildren Jodie, Jonah, Julianna, Jasper, Renée and Leah; his companion, Diane Doherty of Bloomfield; his former wife, Francine Epstein of Chester; and a sister, Susan Salsberg of Boonton Township.

A more detailed obituary from the family was not yet available as of Friday morning.

"Marty has touched many lives over the years and his passion for life and cycling will continue to inspire the community for generations to come. We thank you all for your love and support during this incredibly difficult time," the Epsteins said in announcing Marty's death Thursday morning.

Epstein owned and operated Marty's Reliable Cycles, a local favorite with locations in Morristown, Randolph and Hackettstown. He was also one of the founders of Gran Fondo NJ, one of the biggest cycling events in New Jersey. Since its inception in 2011, the ride has raised over $1.5 million for charity.

"Garden State Fondo, founded by Marty as a way to bring thousands of cyclists together was one of his achievements he was most proud of. This year the global cycling community celebrated Marty's lifelong contribution to cycling by awarding him the Gran Fondo Guide Lifetime Achievement Award," the race said in a statement. "Marty, an avid cyclist, and activist who inspired thousands of people to ride passed away on the second day of bike month. His passion for life and cycling will continue to inspire us and the community for generations to come."

Organizers said the race would go on in 2019, and said it would be "the best to date" in honor of Marty.