It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Martin “Marty” C. Dunbar, our beloved RCHR Board Chair, and Chair of the TRIP Governance Committee. Marty, who passed peacefully on January 16, 2025, at the age of 77, was a dedicated member of the TRIP/RCHR Board since January 2014. He served as TRIP’s Vice Chair and Chair during his time with us, providing unwavering leadership and guidance to the organization.
Beyond his leadership role, Marty was a wealth of knowledge, a historian, a mentor, and most importantly, a dear friend to all who had the privilege of working with him. His thoughtful guidance and invaluable insights, always delivered with a warmth and fatherly tone, will be deeply missed by the TRIP & RCHR community.
Marty’s legacy extends far beyond TRIP & RCHR. He was a pillar of the Troy community, where he had lived since 1973, and the City of Troy, where he made lasting contributions through his years of service in public administration. A graduate of Catholic Central High School and Siena College, Marty was deeply committed to his community and nation. He served over 25 years in the Army Reserves and National Guard, achieving the rank of Lt. Colonel. His professional career spanned roles in state and local government, including Urban Renewal in Troy and Albany, the N.Y.S. Division of Military and Naval Affairs, Comptroller for the City of Troy, and Commissioner of Administration for the N.Y.S. Department of Labor. Throughout his career, Marty was a confident yet humble leader, always taking pride in helping advance the careers of others.
Marty’s commitment to service was reflected not only in his professional life but in his dedication to his family and faith. A devoted parishioner of Sacred Heart Church, he was also an active board member of the ARC of Rensselaer County and TRIP & RCHR. His passion for public service extended into local politics, where he served as a committeeman and provided counsel to many local administrations.
Marty’s most cherished role was that of a family man. He met the love of his life, Sarah (Sally) Ryan, during his senior year of high school, and they married in 1969, sharing more than 55 years of love and partnership. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving children, Amy Dunbar (Jude) Kaiser, Martin (Lottie) Dunbar, and the late Rebecca (Becky) Dunbar. He was a cherished grandfather to Ryan Kaiser, Morgan Kaiser, Georgia Dunbar, May Dunbar, and Martin J.M. Dunbar. He is also survived by his dear siblings, Marianne (late James) Walter, Diane Dunbar, and Ann Marie Dunbar, as well as his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Kathy (Jack) Murphy, Chris (Bob) Baker, and Jane (Bob) Dawson, and several nieces and nephews
Marty’s legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family, friends, and community will live on in all those whose lives he touched. His passing leaves a void in our hearts, but his memory and the impact he made on our lives will remain with us always. We honor his remarkable life and will continue to carry forward his work in the spirit of his devotion to making a difference.
Marty will be deeply missed, but his influence will continue to guide us at TRIP & RCHR and in the many communities he served.