SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Robert J. Markes, 85, formerly of Kingston and Saratoga Springs, passed away on January 6 at JML Care Center in Falmouth, Massachusetts, 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 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 predeceased by his wife and love of his life, Margaret McMahon Markes, on October 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—18 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren (with two more on the way): son, Paul (wife Leslie) of Buford, Georgia and their sons Robert (Joie), Kevin, John and David; son, Robert Markes (wife Margaret) of Candor and their children, Emily, Jennie (husband Andy), Selina (husband Michael), Miriam and Laura; daughter, Mary Hunt (husband Gregory) of Cape Cod, Massachusetts and their children, Brian (wife Erin), Elizabeth, and Kyle; daughter, Ann Markes of Northampton, Massachusetts (husband Matthew Kane) and their children, Amy, Timothy and Daniel; and son, John Markes of Kingston (wife Debra) and their children 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 Massachusetts. Checks can be made to JML Care Center and sent in c/o Ann Markes, 124 Maple Ridge Rd., Florence, MA 01062.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Tuesday, January 14 in the Church of St. Peter, 241 Broadway by the Rev. Dominic S. Ingemie, pastor. Burial will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.
There will be no calling hours.
Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (584-5373).
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
