Martin Priest's Obituary
Emanuel Nureck, who changed his name to Martin Priest, (actor, director)(WWII Veteran) born May 9, 1927 in New York City, New York, passed away January 6, 2009.
Martin was dearly loved by family and friends. Martin was an actor/director whose career spanned many decades. He studied under Lee Strasberg at the renowned Actor's Studio. He starred in the critically acclaimed movie "The Plot Against Harry" (1969, re-released 1989) for which he was nominated for Best Male Lead for the Independent Spirit Awards in 1991. Other notable movies Martin acted in were "Nothing But a Man" (1964), which is listed in the National Film Registry and won the San Giorgio Prize at the 1964 Venice Film Festival, and "Zebrahead", (1992) which was nominated for and won several awards. Martin acted in TV shows such as Gunsmoke, I Spy, Dragnet, and others. Martin did commercials and acted/directed in theater productions including some at the Rehoboth Art League. He served faithfully in the United States Navy, aboard the USS Boxer, during WWII. He was also in the fleet that was present when Japan surrendered. Martin was athletic, sports-minded, and enjoyed the outdoors. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed turkey shoots and fishing. He loved people and liked to socialize and entertain.
He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine (Winslow) Priest; two sons::Kimm Steven Nureck and his wife Debra of Laurel, DE and Gary David Nureck of Tamaqua, PA; two step-daughters: Bryn Smith and her husband James of Long Beach Island, NY and Caren Nelan and her husband Ed of Baltimore, MD; and brother, Leonard Nureck. He is also survived by eight step-grandchildren and one step-great-granddaughter.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2009 at 11:00 AM at Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE, Pastor Duane Smith officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home beginning at 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Epworth Methodist Cemetery in Rehoboth Beach, DE.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Compassionate International, Colorado Springs, CO 80997 or the Rehoboth Art League, 12 Dodds Lane, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Online condolences may be sent to: [email protected]
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