Richard Martin “Marty” Salzgeber, 80, of Dade City, Florida, passed away on Friday, April 10, 2026, in Zephyrhills, Florida.

Born on April 17, 1945, in Cleveland, Ohio, Marty was the son of John Adolph Salzgeber and Gretchen Ann Roth Salzgeber. He was raised alongside his brothers, James Salzgeber and Neil Salzgeber.

Marty pursued his education at The Ohio State University and Case Western Reserve University, where he studied dentistry. He went on to complete his specialty training in endodontics at The Ohio State University — a Buckeye through and through — and built a distinguished career as an endodontist, practicing for over 30 years in the Tampa area, including his office on East Busch Boulevard. He was known for his skill and precision, and for making even the most anxious patients feel at ease — many appreciated that his root canals were, as they often said, “absolutely painless.” His research, including his thesis on the use of irrigating solutions in root canal treatment (commonly referred to in his work as Hypaque), was recognized and used as a teaching reference at several colleges.

He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force as a dentist, where he also learned to fly — an experience he truly loved.

Marty shared both his life and his work with his beloved wife, Patti. They were devoted to one another at home and in his practice, where they worked side by side for many years. Together, they built not only a successful practice, but a close-knit, family-like atmosphere with their employees, whom they valued deeply.

Marty had a quick wit and a playful sense of humor, and he especially loved teasing his friends and his wife. Outside of his profession, he had a wide range of interests. He was an avid reader with a deep interest in World War II history and Biblical archaeology. He enjoyed shooting skeet and took particular pleasure in the craft of reloading. He also had a lifelong passion for building and design, creating five homes over the years and taking pride in doing much of the work himself with a keen eye for detail and craftsmanship.

He and Patti were devoted members of St. Mary’s Church in Dade City, where they attended during the time of Father Tanno and Father Jim. Their home was filled with love for family and friends, as well as the many dogs they cared for over the years.

Marty is survived by his wife, Patricia T. Salzgeber; his sons, Eric John Salzgeber and Brad Eugene Salzgeber; his brother, James Salzgeber, and his wife, Janeen Salzgeber; his nephews, Ryan Salzgeber, Matthew Salzgeber, and Peyton Salzgeber; and also by his nephews Daniel Matthews, Benjamin Salzgeber, Jeffrey Salzgeber, and his niece, Shelly Salzgeber. He is also survived by Ann Gonzalez, Robert Gonzalez, and Thomas Gonzalez, as well as Lindsay Rodriguez and her husband, Cris; Alex Daflos and her husband, Rob; and cousins Lynn Routh and her husband, Jeff, Barry Grice, and Diane Amoroso and her husband, John. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Neil Salzgeber.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to animal shelters of your choice or to Gulfside Hospice in Zephyrhills.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.