George P Marbley

George P. Marbley was born in Hudson, New York on April 12, 1919 to the late George and Florence Dixon Marbley. He grew up in Hudson and was educated in the Hudson City Schools. George held many positions in his early adult life including a construction job with the Civilian Conservation Corps and an assistant's position on a farm. He later moved to Albany where he worked as a chef with the Waldorf Restaurant and the Veterans Administration Hospital until his retirement in 1977. He also completed training as a certified para-legal assistant, specializing in housing law. At the age of 58, he was stricken with blindness, but he never gave up in his quest to help others. In 1976, George was elected President of Thacher Homes Tenant Association. These public housing apartments were in disrepair at that time and the living conditions were inadequate. Through his position as tenant association president, he went to Washington, met with the then Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Patricia Harris who served in President Jimmy Carter's cabinet. Through his negotiations with Secretary Harris, George was able to obtain millions of dollars to renovate the buildings and Thacher Homes became what is now Steamboat Square, a vibrant community of seniors, young adults and families. He continued to serve in the capacity of President of Steamboat Square Tenant Association until his death. He received many awards for his dedicated service, including awards from United Tenants of Albany, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, City of Albany Common Council, Dunkin' Hines Basketball Classic and For Us By Us Community Picnic. He was a true advocate for all people needing help, a selfless leader in the truest sense of the word. At the age of 80, at his birthday party at Walking The Walk Christian Center, George received Jesus Christ as his personal savior and Lord of his life. He prayed and interceded often for his family and his pastors. George was united in marriage to the late Willie Mae Marbley. They raised nine children together. He is survived by three daughters, Anna Mae Martin, Mary Ann Hines and Nora Marbley; all of Albany; five sons Tarryton (Barbara) Marbley of Troy, Arcell (C.J.) Marbley of Schenectady, Wesley (Annette) Marbley of Albany, Norman (Robin) Marbley of Albany and George Marbley Jr. of Albany; a spiritual son and daughter, Pastor Ed and Pastor Mary Carlson of Albany and a large host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces nephews,and special beloved friends and relatives. George is predeceased by his son Randy Hines. We give a special thank you to Kimberly Ruffin, his home health aide of many years, to the Konicek and Collett Funeral Home and to Reigning Life Family Church for opening their doors to us.