Bicyclists lead a procession to the cemetery in Cedar Knolls following the funeral for Marty Epstein, Monday, May, 6, 2019. Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

An unofficial ambassador of New Jersey bicycling who died last week was honored Monday in a way that offered a final, fond nod to his mantra of "saving the world with bikes."

Nearly 200 cyclists formed a procession from Temple B’nai Or in Morristown to a cemetery in Hanover, four miles away, following the funeral of Marty Epstein.

Epstein opened his store, Marty’s Reliable Cycle, in 1978 in Morristown, followed by two other locations in Randolph and Hackettstown.

“Saving the world with bikes” is the slogan of his business, now being run by the oldest of his three children, Jesse Epstein of Chester.

Marty Epstein founded in 2011 a cycling endurance event, the Gran Fondo - later renamed the Garden State Fondo - that has raised $1.25 million for various good causes.

He died Thursday at age 69, after a 6-year battle with cancer.

Carol Biggs, of Morristown, was among the riders in the procession.

“He’s just a wonderful man. He’s done so much for the community,” Biggs said.

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A public farewell in Morristown to longtime N.J. bicycle shop owner Marty Epstein perfectly captures his passion in life as cyclists form a bike procession following his funeral, for the 4-mile ride to the cemetery. pic.twitter.com/ZBHnM2diGt — Rob Jennings (@RobJenningsNJ) May 6, 2019

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Grandson Jasper Epstein wears angel wings as he runs in the cemetery during interment for Marty Epstein who owned a popular biking shop and was an unofficial ambassador of N.J. bicycling. Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar Knolls , N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019. Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

About half of the mourners at his funeral were wearing cycling gear, including the ubiquitous riding shirts from his store featuring its logo.

The unforgettable logo, designed in 1994, is a caricature of Epstein’s big head of hair and ear-to-ear grin. It was on a poster at the entrance to the temple.

His three children offered eulogies, including Jonathon Epstein of Queens, N.Y.

"I truly believe he was ‘saving the world with bikes,’' Jonathon Epstein said, referring to the store’s slogan.

“Ride on with joy in your hearts, and be generous in Marty’s memory.”

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Bicyclists lead a procession through Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar Knolls, N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019. Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty, a close friend who visited Epstein days before he died, also addressed mourners.

“I will never forget that grin,” Dougherty said of Epstein.

Dougherty said that Epstein, even near the end of his life, remained focused on the Garden State Fondo, which will take place on Sept. 8.

The event has raised $1.25 million for various organizations, including the New Jersey Bike and Walk Coalition, The Seeing Eye, Homeless Solutions, Raritan Headwaters and New Jersey Interscholastic Cycling League.

“Obviously, our community is heartbroken," Dougherty said.

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Interment for Marty Epstein who owned a popular biking shop and was an unofficial ambassador of N.J. bicycling. Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar Knolls , N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Carl Fenske parks his bike as he arrives for funeral services for Marty Epstein. Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

The bicycling procession seemed a fitting tribute to Epstein, a ubiquitous presence in Morristown for more than four decades who never seemed to pass up an opportunity to promote cycling as a way to bring together a community.

Police officers provided an escort to Beth Israel Cemetery after the hour-long funeral.

Epstein’s daughter, Molly Lyristis of Seattle, Wash., drew smiles as she recalled cuddling up with him as a small child, and how her father taught her how to ride a bike by running alongside her.

“Dads are invincible, right? Mine sure was," she said, adding that she hoped admirers would honor her father by continuing in his spirit of community service.

A niece, Stephanie Salsberg, spoke of her “Uncle Marty” as “always fun, always adventurous.”

She recalled an interview of her uncle, not long ago, in which he reiterated his support for cycling as a way to lessen pollution and alleviate traffic congestion.

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Jesse Epstein, his older son, spoke of his father’s focus on the big picture.

“Always the optimist, he believed things would be fine in the end. So why bother with the details," he said.

On his last night of his father’s life, Jesse Epstein sat by his bed, reading aloud until 2 a.m. supportive messages that were pouring in on Facebook.

“I have to admit that I’m a bit scared that I won’t be able to call my dad. It makes me feel empty inside.”

But he’s committed to following in the footsteps of his unforgettable dad.

“I will do my best to continue his legacy for the next 41 years," he said.

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Mourners embrace before funeral services for Marty Epstein who owned a popular biking shop and was an unofficial ambassador of N.J. Services were held at Temple B'nai Or in Morristown, N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019. Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Mourners enter the cemetery for interment for Marty Epstein who owned a popular biking shop and was an unofficial ambassador of N.J. bicycling. Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar Knolls, N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Crowd gather at the cemetery for services for Marty Epstein, who owned a popular biking shop and was an unofficial ambassador of N.J. bicycling had funeral services. Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar Knolls, N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Artist rendering of Mary Epstein. Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Interment for Marty Epstein who owned a popular biking shop and was an unofficial ambassador of N.J. bicycling. Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar Knolls, N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Bicyclists leave the cemetery after services for Marty Epstein who owned a popular biking shop and was an unofficial ambassador of N.J. bicycling. Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar kNolls , N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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Marty Epstein's daughter in law Johanna Epstein holds her son Jasper Epstein who wears angel wings in the cemetery during interment. Marty Epstein, who owned a popular biking shop and was an unofficial ambassador of N.J. bicycling was buried at Beth Israel Cemetery in Cedar Knolls, N.J., Monday, May, 6, 2019Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

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