Robert Markes Obituary

Dr. Robert J. Markes SARATOGA SPRINGS- Dr. Robert J. Markes, formerly of Kingston and Saratoga Springs, passed away on Jan. 6, 2014 at the age of 85 at JML Care Center in Falmouth, Mass., after a long illness. Born and raised in Amsterdam, he graduated from Amsterdam High School. He received his undergraduate education at Union College in Schenectady, graduating at the age of 20 in 1948 after which he commenced his career in education as history teacher and coach of varsity basketball and cross country running at Middletown High School in Middletown. In 1963 he moved to the Kingston, area to take a position as assistant principal at Jay Watson Bailey Junior High School. Shortly afterward he became the assistant superintendent of the Kingston City School district. In 1967 he became the Dean of Students at Ulster County Community College, ultimately becoming the Dean of Faculty and Vice President of the college. Throughout his academic career he continued to develop his own education, obtaining a Master’s degree at SUNY New Paltz and a Doctorate in Education from New York University. After retiring in 1985 and moving to the Saratoga Springs area, he returned to what he really loved, teaching; for the following decade he taught a Masters level course in educational administration at the College of St. Rose. He was pre-deceased by his wife and love of his life, Margaret McMahon Markes on Oct. 18, 2012 after 64 years of marriage. In his youth, he always desired a big family, so it is fitting that he is survived by five children and their spouses, eighteen grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren (with two more on the way): son, Paul (wife Leslie) of Buford, Ga. (grandchildren Robert (wife Joie), Kevin, John and David); son, Robert Markes (wife Margaret) of Candor, N.Y. (grandchildren Emily, Jennie (husband Andy), Selina (husband Michael), Miriam and Laura); daughter, Mary Hunt (husband Gregory) of Cape Cod, Mass. (grandchildren Brian (wife Erin), Elizabeth, and Kyle); daughter, Ann Markes of Northampton, Mass. (husband Matthew Kane) (grandchildren Amy, Timothy and Daniel) and son John Markes of Kingston, (wife Debra) (grandchildren Caitlin, Sean and Kiley). A great athlete, he played basketball and lacrosse for Union College, and was honored to be selected to play on the North team for the All American North-South lacrosse game. He coached the Middletown High School basketball team to several DUSO championships. In later years, as a volunteer coach, he coached a St. Joseph’s CYO basketball team to the upstate championship three years in a row. He had a strong commitment to civic duty and volunteerism. He was a great mentor to his children, grandchildren and many community members. He was a true gentleman and was generous, honest, and very loving to his wife and family. He will be dearly missed, but his teachings and way of life will stay with us forever. The family is extremely grateful for the wonderful care given to him by the staff at JML Care Center. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made toward the continuing education of staff of the Nobska 2 unit of JML Care Center in Falmouth, Mass. Checks can be made to JML Care Center and sent in c/o Ann Markes, 124 Maple Ridge Rd., Florence, Mass., 01062.

Published by Daily Freeman from Jan. 10 to Jan. 12, 2014.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dearest Grandpa,
You were such a wonderful person and amazing role model to us all. I have such fond memories of spending time with you and Grandma- you made all of your grandchildren feel loved and cared for. I miss you and Grandma greatly and will never forget you. Love always- Emily

Emily Markes

February 9, 2014

Dear Uncle Bob,

God Bless you for always being a man of integrity and a most shining example of best practices in life and love. Both you and Aunt Margie set a magnificent tone of love, support and devotion. As a family man, educator, camper and horseplayer, your legacy is impeccable. I've always admired you, always will and am blessed to have had you in our corner. Rejoice in your reunion with the love of your life, certain that there is a heaven above and that you have earned your 1st class upgrade through those gates. To all of my cousins in the Markes family, I am extremely proud to be your cousin and I share in your loss. Much love and condolences, John McCarthy

John M McCarthy

January 13, 2014

Mary and Greg - You took such good care of Bob this past year. May he rest in peace, and may you rest assured that he felt all the love and caring you gave him. Your family is in my prayers.

Leslie Hunt

January 13, 2014

As a child, I remember watching Uncle Bob play bridge with my grandmother and her sisters. He was always so sweet to his wife, truly every time I saw them together his behavior expressed that he was indeed with the love of his life. I remember thinking, "I hope someday I can have a husband as nice as Uncle Bob." What an inspiration both he and his wife were of how to live a life of love.

Emma Reuss

January 13, 2014

Our sincerest condolences go out to all the Markes families. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Mark & Annie Hoffstatter

Mark Hoffstatter

January 13, 2014

Bob and Maggie - our heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of Bob's family and friends for your loss. You are in our hearts, our thoughts, prayers, hugs and cares.

All the angels above, welcomed the newcomer with open arms.....Heaven, we know, just got a bit nicer. (author unknown)

The Craigs

January 13, 2014

Mr. Markes was one of those people who helped to shape your life. Love and Prayers.
Dennis Cahill

January 12, 2014

Bob Markes was an outstanding administrator and a true gentleman.

Vince Van Bramer

January 12, 2014

My grandfather has been the ultimate example to me of how I should live my life. Hard working, highly intelligent, humble and sweet to the end. He loved me unconditionally and I will never forget that. I will carry him in my heart forever.

Miriam Markes

January 12, 2014

Grandpa Markes has been a great example of love and tenacity. It is a great blessing to have known and loved him. Thankfulness abounds for this man's life, well lived. Barbara

January 11, 2014

Although we will miss you dearly, we know that you are finally at peace and with the love of your life. We now all have two guardian angels to watch over us. I love you always.

Caitlin Markes

January 11, 2014

My grandparents both taught me about love, family, and joy. My fondest memories from childhood involve them both, from waterskiing at the camp to ice skating on their homemade front yard rink. Every summer they would take all of the grandchildren for a week, and gifted us the time of our lives. Grandpa would sit on the dock for hours upon hours, protectively watching us as we swam, dove, and laughed loud enough for all of Great Sacandaga Lake to hear. Holidays were idyllic: fires roaring, the Sound of Music playing, and Grandpa making sure everyone was happy (and well-behaved). Although my immediate family has experienced a great deal of upheaval, my grandparents never faltered in their unconditional love and support for us all. They are role models for their grandchildren and leave us with the most special memories and also the knowledge that true love does exist. Give Grandma a big hug and kiss for me, Grandpa. I miss you both. XOXO Jennie

Jennie Goldenson

January 11, 2014

Robert Markes was an exceptional man and a wonderful grandfather. He will always be loved and remembered by all the people whose lives he touched. The legacy he leaves in this world is a great one.

Kyle Hunt

January 11, 2014

“Your legs will get heavy and tired. Then comes a moment of feeling the wings you've grown, lifting.” ~Rumi

We're not mourning your departure, Grandpa. We miss you, but we have missed you for years. Your wisdom and sincerity, your most precious attributes, became muted at the end and we couldn't hear you. Great comfort is found in the fact that you are now eternal and are with Grandma. Your life is yours again.

Elizabeth Hunt

January 10, 2014

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