Martin G. Brodwin

Martin George Brodwin, 81, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026 at sunset. Dr. Brodwin was a beloved professor, spouse, father, and grandfather.

 

Having earned his bachelor’s degree at the University of California, Los Angeles and his doctorate from Michigan State University, Marty went on to become a Distinguished Professor at California State University, Los Angeles, where he chaired the Department of Rehabilitation and literally wrote the book on the subject used in over 50 universities throughout the country. Marty mentored and advised thousands of students, earning himself the nickname “The Legend,” and taught for 31 years.

 

Marty came to Cal State LA in 1988 from Rancho Los Amigos Hospital in Downey, California. Before that, he and his wife, Sandra Brodwin, built their own counseling agency. Marty was born in Brooklyn, New York on June 1, 1944 to parents Dorothy Brodwin and Allen Brodwin.

 

Per CSULA, Marty has “a long and impressive record of commitment and contributions to the field of rehabilitation counseling and to students pursuing a degree in the field, including numerous books and articles and distinguished service on professional boards. Among his many awards are the 2004 CSU systemwide Wang Family Excellence Award and the 2005 Cal State LA President’s Distinguished Professor Award.

Outside of work, Marty was known for his sarcastic wit and love of Salvador Dalí and science fiction. The overarching theme tying together all of his experiences and preferences was simple: It was about imagining a better world: A more fair, just, and equitable one.

 

Marty is survived by his brother, Bennet Brodwin, his wife, Sandra Brodwin, his daughter, Erin Brodwin, and his grandchild, Ezra Brodling.