Martin Zoldessy

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I served in the Air Force.
Martin ZoldessyI am a Veteran.

of Ferndale, AR

November 30, 1939 - April 13, 2019

Dr. Martin Zoldessy, 79, who practiced dentistry in Arkansas for more than four decades and was also well known in the Little Rock wine and beverage industry, passed away on April 13.

Dr. Zoldessy was born on November 30, 1939 in Bronx, New York, and served in the U.S. Air Force as a medic before opening his own dental practice in Little Rock. He later was Dental Director of the Arkansas Department of Correction and only recently retired.

Outside of work, Dr. Zoldessy was renowned for his knowledge of food, wine and cocktails and for his ability to mix a perfect martini. More importantly, he projected a caring, gregarious nature. Patients, coworkers and anyone who shared his interests in wine, the Razorbacks, or baseball instantly became his friend.

He was a devoted fan of both the New York Yankees and the Arkansas Travelers, and for the past 25 years he made annual trips to Spring Training in Florida.

He and his wife Aurian enjoyed gardening together with Dr. Zoldessy's specialty being production of his favorite hot peppers.

Family and friends agreed he was one of the most generous people on earth, and he was as happy with his life as anyone could be. He touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ann Zoldessy, and his sister, Joan Kaufmann. He is survived by his wife, Aurian Zoldessy; his daughters Shayne Sheets (and husband, Chad), Kelly Hallmark (and husband, KB IV), and Kimberly Stewart; and grandchildren KB Hallmark V and Kaylea Sheets. He is also survived by his sisters Barbara and Julie Zoldessy, as well as several beloved nephews and nieces.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Pulaski County Humane Society (www.warmhearts.org) or Paws in Prison (adc.arkansas.gov/paws-in-prison).
A private service will be held at a later date.

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28 Condolence(s)
Paul Schubert
Harriman, TN
Liked
Saturday, June 25, 2022

I’m so sorry to learn of Martin’s death. We were classmates in dental school at Tennessee. I just thought of him tonight and Googled his name. We were close in school and gave each other grief about the Hogs and the Vols. I’ll miss you Martin. You were special.
Your pal,
Porker

James McCracken
IRVING, TX
Liked
Tuesday, August 3, 2021

I was sorry to hear of your passing. You were one of the few bright spots in my life.

Bernadette Singer
Donaldson, AR
Liked
Saturday, March 28, 2020

So sad to hear of Dr. Z's passing. My condolences to his family. We worked together many years in the prison system, but after leaving over eight years ago, Dr. Z was diligent in sending a "Merry Christmas" or other good wishes throughout the years. I feel very lucky to have known this fine person.

Marcy Bujarski
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 27, 2019

Aurian,
Martin’s Master Gardener Demonstration Garden Family sends our love and condolences to you. The garden will miss his sparkle and expertise. What a fine person he was!
Marcy and the Demonstration Garden Team

Teresa Krick
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 24, 2019

I was very grateful for our friendship at CAC. Dr. Zoldessy always came to work with a smile and very cheerful. He made sure to speak to everyone. He will greatly missed.

Joshuah Lingo
Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, April 23, 2019

I am so sorry to hear of Martin’s passing. My heart goes out to Aurian and his daughters. Martin was a special person that I am really glad I had the pleasure to get to know over the last several years. I always looked forward to exchanging stories about our week and talking about spirits and wine over the cocktails on the tasting bar. I always knew I could expect Martin to come see me if I was working and it was usually the highlight of my day. He was so kind and thoughtful, always asking about my wife and children. I was so looking forward to getting a chance to go see him and have a cocktail once school slowed down. He was such a supporter about me returning to school, never got the chance to tell him that I’m doing really well. I’ll always remember his big smile coming around the corner and asking what we are drinking that day. Such a genuine soul, he will be greatly missed. My thought and prayers are with the family. He was the type of person that made such a big impact on lives than I can’t even start to imagine your loss.
-Joshuah

Brian and Pamela Holt
Christiansted, V. I.,
Liked
Monday, April 22, 2019

Toasting a glass of wine on our Island home to the memory of Martin. Good thoughts to the family.

Carmen Fernandez
North Little ROck, AR
Liked
Sunday, April 21, 2019

All of our family is heartbroken about losing such a wonderful friend. We loved Martin so much. We will miss his laughter, his sense of humor, his love for his family and friends.
With all of our love, Agustin, Carmen, Raul and DIego

Carolyn McKinstry
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Saturday, April 20, 2019

Praying for friends to comfort you and family, faith to uphold you, and loving memories help you smile again.
With Sincerest Sympathy and Fond Memories of Martin.

Marla Bridges
Hot Springs, AR
Liked
Friday, April 19, 2019

An honor to have called Martin my friend. He will ALWAYS be remembered with much love.

Linda Gibson
Dumas, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 18, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. Keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. I loved Dr. Z. He was wonderful to work with and was a friend. Always had a smile on his face. RIP my friend .

Carolyn Leuenhagen
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Thursday, April 18, 2019

I am sincerely sorry to hear of the passing of Dr. Z. He was always so kind. He will be missed by many!

Ann Teet
Star City, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Prayers and hugs for his family. Dr. Z and I met when he came to work in ADC. We had many discussions and stories to be told. Warm Caring with an awesome soul. You touched the lives of many You have grown your wings and took flight. You are already greatly missed by all. RIP Dr. Z.

CRISTY JOHNSON
Fayetteville, AR
Liked
Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Dr.Z and I worked together several years. I will never forget his smile and kind spirit....or his Coleslaw! He always genuinely cared about me and my boys and what was going on in my life. Talking to him always felt like we knew each other forever! If only I'd have known the last time I would see him here on this earth was at his retirement party...R.I.P my dear friend. I will never forget you!

Dona Gordon
Sheridan, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Dr. Z and I shared a love of wine! We have been colleagues for many many years. He is missed already! Rest In Peace my friend!

Jayne Lawson
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

I have worked closely with Dr. Z for 21 years. He acted as a mentor and friend to me from the 1st day of my career in correctional health, especially when he found out we were both New Yorkers!! With his guidance and patience, Dr. Z taught me to be a better person and correctional nurse. Our unit is saddened and in disbelief in his passing. Our facility will never be the same without Dr. Z.
Aurian, he loved you so, I know you know that. He always spoke of you with a huge smile. I am so sorry for your loss. The world will be a little darker without Dr. Zoldessy in it. Much love and prayers from the Wellpath staff of Central AR Community Corrections. Jayne Lawson RN HSA

Staci Grimes
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Aurian. So very sorry for your loss! From your Wildwood Master Gardener friend!🙏🌸

Demetra Clark
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

Death brings pain that time can only heal. No words could ease what we truly feel; But with God his joy is eternally sealed, And cherish his memories that death can't even steal. My Deepest Condolences to his wife and family.

Jay and LIsa Bruno
LIttle Rock, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

We are saddened to hear of the untimely passing of our good friend Martin Zoldessey. His love for food, wine and friends was infectious and we will never forget his smile, which always brightened our day.
To all of the family we offer our sincere condolences. We will miss him!

REGINA FOSTER
Dover, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

You are going to be greatly missed Dr Z ! I will always remember your infectious smile , your sincere , caring nature and sweet spirit. Thankful for the years that we had working together. Prayers for your family. RIP Dr Z ....

Leisha Rawls
Sheridan, AR
Liked
Tuesday, April 16, 2019

I worked with Dr. Z many years in the Dental Department of Arkansas D.O.C. as his assistant. He always made me laugh and made the workdays more enjoyable. He was always late!!! But you couldn't stay mad at him long. He will be missed. ❤️

Angela Tart
,
Liked
Monday, April 15, 2019

I had the great pleasure of working with Dr. Zoldessy for four years. He was a kind and wonderful man. Dr. Zoldessy had a generous spirit, quick wit and a warm smile for everyone. He made each day, at work, much better just by being there. I will always treasure the times I got to work with him. My deepest condolences to his family.

Cindy Womble
Pine Bluff, AR
Liked
Monday, April 15, 2019

He will be greatly missed. I love Dr Z he was such a joy to be around and to talk to. If I could help him he would call and say I need your help always knowing I would do anything for him. He was one of a kind.

Kristy and John Hardin
Bale, AR
Liked
Monday, April 15, 2019

Jamie S Peacock
PINE BLUFF, AR
Liked
Monday, April 15, 2019

I was so sad to hear of your passing. I enjoyed working with you and you had my greatest respect. I hope you have the most peaceful slumber until we all are together again.

Monty Parsons DDS
Benton, AR
Liked
Monday, April 15, 2019

I am so sorry for your loss. My wife and I are praying for your family. Dr. Z gave me my start in the ADC clinics and was a great friend and boss. He got along with everyone and had a real heart for his dental personnel. He will be missed by many people.

Dr Steven N Stringfellow
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Monday, April 15, 2019

Dr Z was an amazing man. It was a pleasure and honor to have known him. He left a legacy of friendship and respect. His presence and wisdom will be missed.

Tammy Stiff Van Cleve
Dallas, TX
Liked
Monday, April 15, 2019

My heart is so sad to read of Dr Z’s passing. I had the pleasure of working as his dental assistant/front desk girl in the mid 80s and there was never a dull moment. I loved his sweet and funny spirit, and know that he will be tremendously missed. My prayers and with you and the three girls, Aurian. How he loved you all!