Who Is Jerry Reinsdorf’s Wife Martyl? Everything To Know About Chicago Bulls Owner’s Life Partner

Jerry Reinsdorf’s success story begins in the playing arena, where he built long-lasting sports empires. The Reinsdorf family shaped championship legacies through the ownership of the Chicago Bulls and White Sox. Jerry’s leadership, often behind the scenes, defined his teams’ success. Much like his on-court triumphs, his off-court journey is deeply personal. Much of his story unfolds in the quiet moments with those closest to him. Let’s explore his family and their impact on the world of sports.

Who is the wife of Chicago Bulls’ owner Jerry Reinsdorf?

Jerry Reinsdorf had a marriage filled with love, support, and, most importantly, happiness. He was married to his college sweetheart, Martyl Rifkin. Born on March 4, 1936, in Denver, Colorado, she was the daughter of Milton and Vivette Rifkin. A few years after her birth, her family relocated to Chicago in 1944. There, she attended Morgan Park High School.

Almost a decade later, her love story began at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., where the power couple met. They were just two students who met, fell in love, and eventually tied the knot in 1956. But who knew that would last nearly 7 decades!

Martyl was a woman who built her family and played a role in shaping the legacy of both sports teams they owned. Together, they navigated the complexities of pro sports, business, and family life. Her contribution to the world of sports was far from ordinary.

Did you know she designed some of the iconic NBA rings? In addition to being a devoted mother and a supportive wife, she designed 5 of the 6 NBA championship rings won by the Bulls during their dominant years in the 1990s. Her artistry also extended to the White Sox’s World Series championship ring in 2005, a momentous achievement for the team.

Her legacy is not only marked by these iconic designs, but also by her quiet yet steady presence behind the scenes. Her design work was respected for its elegance and significance, reflecting the winning spirit of both teams.

Sadly, a dark cloud loomed over the Reinsdorf family; they lost Martyl on June 28, 2021, to a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of creativity and dedication to her family and the Chicago sports community.

At 85, she was not just Jerry’s wife, but a respected figure in her own right. Her passing marked the end of an era for the Reinsdorf family, a reminder of the unspoken yet profound impact she had on the teams that became a large part of her life. Chicago sports were shaped, not just by the teams’ victories, but by her quiet influence and thoughtful designs. However, she had a life beyond sports too.

What did Martyl Reinsdorf do for a living? Was she a philanthropist?

Martyl Reinsdorf was a woman of remarkable creativity and deep compassion. For over 25 years, she was known for her work as a designer in Cloisonné jewelry, a craft that blended her artistic talent with intricate craftsmanship. She poured herself into her designs, creating works that reflected her attention to detail and passion for beauty. But Martyl’s life was much more than jewelry and design; it was one devoted to helping others, especially children.

A keen philanthropist, Martyl was determined to have a positive impact on the world. She won hearts with her gestures. Yes, one of her most significant endeavors was distributing over 1 million coloring books, crayons, markers, and toys to hospitals, orphanages, and shelters across the globe.

This effort touched countless lives, offering children a small piece of joy in difficult circumstances. Her son, Michael, recalled her profound dedication, saying, “My mother had such a heart for children. The joy she brought through her coloring books made me so proud to be her son.”

She was an active and engaged grandmother too. Her family remembers her not just for her kindness, but for her creative spirit. Her son, Michael fondly remembered her shared interests with his children: “They had so many shared interests and spent time together developing computer programs, creating costumes, and starting her coloring book program.”

These memories, he said, “are ones that we all treasure as a family.”

Her philanthropic work was recognized with several awards. She received the 2004 Clarence Troyer Volunteer of the Year Award, and in 2011, was honored with the Torch of Learning Award from the American Friends of Hebrew University.

Her daughter, Susan Reinsdorf, described her mother as a “devoted artist, a big heart, a big personality, a strong woman.” She continued, “She always fought for the underdog and was so compassionate and thoughtful of others.”

Through her artistic achievements and selfless giving, Martyl Reinsdorf left an indelible mark on her family and the world. She lived life with a rare blend of passion, generosity, and love. Let’s go back to her story with Jerry and explore more about their family.

How many kids does Jerry Reinsdorf have?

The Reinsdorf couple are parents of 4 children: Michael, Susan, Jonathan, and David. Out of which, in March 2014, David passed away. The loss was a devastating blow to the Reinsdorf family, who shared their grief in a heartfelt statement: “The Reinsdorf family has suffered a terrible loss today with the untimely passing of son David Reinsdorf, age 51.”

Michael continues to work closely with his father, helping lead the Bulls to success. He is the current President and COO of the Chicago Bulls. While the Reinsdorf family has all the wealth in the world, family is something that has always been their priority.