In Loving Memory of Martin Daniel Hantz

Martin Daniel Hantz, 86, of Palm Coast, Florida, passed away on September 21, 2026.

To those who knew him, Martin was so much more than the jobs he had or the places he lived. He was a husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, partner, friend, and a man who loved his family with all his heart.

Martin grew up on Elder Avenue in the Bronx and graduated from James Monroe High School in 1958. He had fond memories of his childhood, especially playing stickball and handball in the neighborhood. Those memories of growing up in the Bronx stayed with him throughout his life.

Martin proudly served two years in the United States Army (1958-1960) and was stationed in Germany before beginning a long career of service. He spent 26 years as an undercover detective with the NYC Transit Authority (1963-1989). Later, after moving to Florida, he worked for the Florida Department of Transportation for 10 years at the weigh stations in Palm Coast, FL.

Martin and his beloved wife, Aline Leda Hantz, shared a life together until her passing on February 4, 2011. They were happily married for 48 years. Her loss was deeply felt, and she remained an important part of his heart and memories.

For the past 15 years, Martin was blessed to share his life with his partner, Marya Hudak of Palm Coast, Florida. Marya was not only his beloved companion but also his caregiver and devoted friend. She was by his side through the years, caring for him with unwavering love. Martin loved Marya dearly, and the two shared many years of companionship, laughter, and love.

Martin lived in Palm Coast for 37 years, making Florida his home after his years in the Bronx and Long Island. But wherever he lived, it was the people in his life who mattered most.

Martin had a great sense of humor and a personality people did not easily forget. He could be tough on the outside, but those who truly knew him knew that underneath that tough exterior was a big mush with a heart of gold. He loved to joke, laugh, tell stories, and spend time with the people who meant the most to him. Those simple moments of family, friendship and fun were some of the things that made Martin happiest.

But more than anything, Martin loved his family. His children, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest source of pride and joy. Martin was a man of few words, but those words were powerful. His love showed in the way he cared, protected, teased, worried, laughed, and simply showed up. He was one of a kind. Tough on the outside, soft on the inside, and loved more than words can say.

Martin leaves behind a lifetime of memories of a Bronx childhood, a career of service, friendships, poker games, family gatherings, laughter, love, and countless moments that will be treasured for years to come.

He is survived by his children, Lorell Ducati of Newnan, Georgia; Cheryl Hantz-Tanenbaum (Larry) of Palm Coast, Florida; and Scott Hantz of Palm Coast, Florida. He was a proud grandfather to Jonathan Tanenbaum of Penfield, New York; Russell Tanenbaum of Novi, Michigan; Sam Tanenbaum of Palm Coast, Florida; Brett Hantz of Palm Coast, Florida; Marissa Hantz of Palm Coast, Florida; and Jayme Regan (Andrew) of Sharpsburg, Georgia. He was also blessed with two great-grandchildren, Ellie Tanenbaum of Penfield, New York, and Carter Regan of Sharpsburg, Georgia; and his life partner, Marya Hudak of Palm Coast, Florida.

Martin will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He will live on in the stories they tell, the memories they share, and the hearts of everyone who loved him.

Rest peacefully. You will always be loved, always be remembered, and never forgotten