Submitted by Helen Minsker

Martin Minsker 1942-2024

I am not sure if the news has reached members of the Beach High Class of 1960, but wanted to let you know that my beloved husband, Martin Minsker passed away on September 28 after decades  of a long battle with Parkinson's Disease.

He died peacefully, at home, surrounded by those who loved him.

Marty's obituary

Martin David Minsker was born in Brooklyn, New York, December 18, 1942. He died in Chicago, Illinois, September 28, 2024, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease, which he battled courageously for 36 years.

Marty’s greatest life accomplishments included 40 years of happiness with his beloved wife Helen Hill Minsker, and his two children, Ethan Minsker and Natasha Minsker.

Marty remembered proudly his time clerking for United States Supreme Court Justice John Marshall Harlan II, and his more than 30 years as a partner with the Washington DC law firm of the Miller Cassidy Larroca & Lewin LLP, and later Baker Botts LLP. Marty was revered by his colleagues for his unyielding commitment to excellence, his intellect, but also his kind and generous nature.

Marty grew up in Miami Beach and graduated in 1960 from Miami Beach High School. He went on to Cornell University, graduating in 1964 first in his class in the School of Industrial & Labor Relations. He received his Juris Doctor degree in 1969 and LLM in 1970 from Harvard Law, graduating Magna Cum Laude and serving as Note Editor for the Harvard Law Review.

Marty clerked for Justice Harlan in 1970-1971, serving as one of the last law clerks to the Justice. Marty greatly admired the Justice’s intellect and valued his mentorship.

At Miller Cassidy Larroca & Lewin and Baker Botts Marty worked on numerous significant and landmark cases, including toiling successfully for many years on litigation regarding the ownership rights to the Presidential papers of Richard Nixon, seized in the Watergate investigation. The intellectual challenge of that litigation and the opportunity to delve deeply into U.S. presidential and historical records and the concepts of valuation for unique items greatly intrigued him. In representing his clients his guiding philosophy was that, “Every person deserves to have someone take their side and argue their case; that is the foundation of our legal system.”

Marty contributed much time in service to the legal community and pro bono work. He served on the Board of Governors of the DC Bar for many years, chaired the DC Bar’s Committee on Professional Responsibility from 1986-1992, chaired the DC Bar Committee on Continuing legal Education and was a leader in various other DC Bar activities throughout his professional career.

In addition to his wife Helen and two children, Marty is survived by his granddaughter, siblings, extended family and many dear friends including his former spouse, Judy. Marty and his family also greatly appreciated his team of devoted caregivers and extensive medical team who helped him vigorously fight Parkinson’s Disease. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation. 
Services will be private.