Norfolk—On Thursday, February 18, 2021, Martin Alan “Marty” Einhorn, loving son, husband, father, and “Pappy,” passed away far too soon at age 63 in a Norfolk hospital.
Marty was born on August 21, 1957 in Norfolk to Lois and Barry Einhorn. He attended Norfolk Public Schools, graduating from Granby High in 1975, before heading off to begin what would become a life-long “love affair” with the University of Virginia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science, with a concentration in Commerce in 1980, returning to Norfolk to work for Goodman & Company as a staff accountant.
In 1989, Alvin Wall, Jeff Chernitzer, and Marty struck out on their own, founding Wall, Einhorn & Chernitzer, PC (WEC), which has become one of the most successful accounting firms in the area. As managing partner, Marty helped drive a culture focused on meeting the needs of clients, associates, and the surrounding community. Over his 30 years in that role, he oversaw the expansion of the firm and the unique design and build-out of their present location in downtown Norfolk, all while maintaining a focus on creating a “family” environment at WEC.
Community centered, over the years, Marty served on the boards of directors of 14 separate non-profit organizations in various leadership positions, from president (often more than once!) to member. Committed to making the world a better place, he was incredibly generous in time, money, and optimistic spirit, seemingly not knowing the meaning of the word “no.”
Not surprisingly, his professional and volunteer efforts deservedly achieved great recognition, including (but not limited to): Old Dominion University Strome College of Business School of Accountancy’s Inspiration and Leadership Award; Virginia Business’ Super CPA, multi-year honoree; Young Audiences of Virginia’s Volunteer of the Year; Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities’ Humanitarian Award; Men for Hope’s Trailblazer Award; and Inside Business’ Entrepreneurial Excellence Award.
Marty had a passion for music which was ignited when he learned to play trumpet in elementary school. Partial to jazz, his retirement dream of opening a jazz restaurant in downtown Norfolk was put on hold by the pandemic.
Fortunately, his beloved UVA Cavalier basketball team still managed to play at least part of their season and he was able to cheer them on from the safety of his home (while his cardboard cut-out, decked out in full UVA gear, kept his seat warm in the John Paul Jones arena).
Professional, community, and fun activities aside, Marty’s greatest love of all things was family. He was fortunate to be part of a large extended family and made it a point to seek out and keep in touch with relatives, both near and far. The same can be said of the many deep and lasting friendships that over the years he chose to “adopt” as family.
Marty is survived by his parents, Lois and Barry Einhorn; his wife of 37 years, Susan; his two sons, Will and Jay (April); his granddaughter, Charlotte; his sister, Wendy Brodsky (Ron); his sister-in-law, Jean Rogers (George Bergantz); his niece, Marlene Schulman (Jonathan); his nephew, Saul Brodsky (Adina); and his grandnephew, Noah Schulman.
Marty was known for his incredibly positive outlook on life and for being a fighter to the very end. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and family.
A private graveside service was held for immediate family at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The service was streamed on the H.D. Oliver FaceBook page. Rabbis Rosalin Mandelberg and Michael Panitz and Cantor Jennifer Rueben officiated.
Memorial contributions can be made to: Ohef Sholom Temple (530 Raleigh Avenue, Norfolk, VA 23507); the Leukemia Lymphoma Society (lls.org); or Young Audiences of Virginia (420 N. Center Drive #239 Norfolk, VA 23502). Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com.