Martin G. Mahar

Mahar, Martin G. TROY Martin G. Mahar, of Fifth Avenue, Lansingburgh, died Thursday, October 11, 2007 at Samaritan Hospital from complications of amyloidosis, with his family by his side. Born in Troy on November 29, 1923, he was the son of the late John and Katherine Griffis Mahar, and husband of the late Marion Chapman Mahar, who died in 2005. They were married for 57 years. A lifelong Troy resident, he was a graduate of St. Peter's Academy and LaSalle Institute. Mr. Mahar was a United States Marine Corps veteran of World War II, serving as a paratrooper in the Asiatic Pacific Theater, earning four Battle Stars and was wounded in action on Iwo Jima on March 3, 1945 for which he received the Purple Heart. He returned home after 10 months of recovery in several naval hospitals. Devoted to his country and fellow veterans, he remained active in veterans' associations throughout his lifetime. He worked for the US Postal Service as a letter carrier in Troy, retiring in 1983. During the course of his career, he was district president for the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), local president Branch 416 NALC, state officer delegate at large, secretary, and state treasurer for 25 years. He was a national legislative liaison officer for 14 years and was presently serving as trustee, Local Branch 358 NALC. He was a Troy city councilman for 12 years and served as mayor of Troy 1990-1991. Always representing and promoting his hometown, he was a member and past president of the board of directors of the NYS Association of City Councils. Mr. Mahar contributed to the vitality of his community. He was a founding member of the Uncle Sam Parade Committee 1959, Uncle Sam Monument Committee, the Troy Patriots Pop Warner Football League, and the Troy Flag Day Parade, member of the Board of Tibbitts Cadets, parade chairman of Rensselaer County 175th Anniversary in 1966, member of the National Cemetery Committee, past chairman of City of Troy Veterans Committee, the Rensselaer County Veterans Committee, past commander of the Trojan Post 469 VFW. He was the former national service officer and past state legislative director for the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Albany where he was a life member and past commander of the Corporal Arthur Willi Chapter 17. He was past youth activities director for the Dept. of NY VFW. He was a life member of the Marine Corps League, Troy, the VFW and Veterans of Lansingburgh, a member of Capitol Hill Marine Corps League, Washington, D.C. He was the first permanent chairman of the Veterans for Uncle Sam Committee, Troy, and was presently serving as the finance officer for the Veterans of Lansingburgh. A charter member of the National World War II Monument Committee, Washington, D.C., he currently served as a member of the World War II Memorial Committee of Rensselaer County. Marty was the recipient of many civic and community awards and honors during his life. He enjoyed gardening and cooking, especially his famous clam chowder. He loved the Saratoga Race Track, especially morning workouts at the Oklahoma track. Survivors include his children, Marilyn Mahar Albright of Sara-toga Springs, Marcia Margiotta, Marjorie DerGurahian (Edward), Marian Drozd (Charles), all of Troy, and Michael G. Mahar of Harwich, Mass.; nine grandchildren, Tony Margiotta, Jean Marie and Ed DerGurahian, Fred and Tim Albright, Liz Drozd, Michael Mahar, Petra and Evan Mahar; a sister, Kathleen Riberdy (Lawrence) of Troy; cherished friend, Fred Albright; devoted friend and colleague, Robert "Rabbit" Riley; dear niece and goddaughter, Eleanor Marshall Manning; godson, Thomas Doin; and many nieces and nephews. Marty was predeceased by his son, Martin G. "Mickey " Mahar; his sister, Eleanor Marshall; and twin brothers, John and William Mahar. Funeral services will be at 11:15 a.m. Monday from the McLoughlin & Mason Funeral Home, corner of 109th Street and Third Ave., Lansingburgh and at 12:00 p.m. in St. Augustine's Church, where the Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery, Troy. Calling hours are 3 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Donations, in Marty's honor, can be made to the World War II Memorial Committee of Rensselaer County, PO Box 1135, Troy, NY 12181. For guest book, please visit: www.mcloughlimason.com