Richard A. Martinkovic

Richard A. Martinkovic, a lifelong resident of Liberty, NY, passed away peacefully on February 7, 2025, at Achieve Rehab and Nursing Facility, at the age of 77. Born on February 12, 1947, to the late Joseph and Anna Malecky Martinkovic, Richard dedicated his life to serving his community and his loving family. 

Richard, affectionately known as Dick (as “only his mother called him Richard”), attended St. Peter’s School and graduated Liberty Central School. Dick furthered his education at Wadhams Hall Seminary College, where he earned a BA in Philosophy in 1969, followed by graduate studies in Theology at Niagara University. He honorably served in the United States Army Reserve from 1971 until his discharge in 1976.

For over 33 years, Dick had a successful career with New York Telephone, later known as Verizon, where he held various operations management positions, including Coin Collection Supervisor and Installation/Repair Manager, until his retirement in 2003. His professional career was marked by a commitment to excellence, attention to detail, and diligent planning. He often stated, “I love it when a plan comes together”.

Dick passion for serving others extended into his extensive involvement in fire and emergency services. He was a dedicated member of the Liberty Hose & Truck Co. #2 for over 50 years, serving as Captain and later President, he was also Chairman of the Liberty Board of Fire Commissioners. For Sullivan County, Dick served as a Deputy Fire Coordinator (1978-2002), Emergency Management Director (1990–2002), and Commissioner of Public Safety / Fire Coordinator / Director of Emergency Management & Homeland Security (2002 – 2016). He was a New York State Fire Instructor (1975-1988), a certified Haz Mat Specialist, former president and treasurer of the NYS Fire Coordinators Association, and past chairman of the Sullivan County Fire Districts Association. 

Dick also served as an elected official in local government. He served as Village of Liberty Trustee (1985–1988), Liberty Town Councilman (1988-1995), and Liberty Town Supervisor (1996–2003). Additionally, he served as President of the Sullivan County Supervisor’s Association (1996-2003) and was involved in various community organizations, including the Sullivan County Red Cross, where he served on the Board of Directors and Chairperson. 

Dick is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janet Martinkovic; his daughter, Jill Martinkovic of Kingston, NY; and his son, Michael Martinkovic and his wife Yineth of London. He was predeceased by an infant son, Joseph Martinkovic. Dick was an amazing son, husband, father, and friend. He valued his long-standing friendships, travel, passion for knowing how things work, and always enjoyed a good laugh. He will be remembered for ruining the punchlines of jokes by laughing too hard himself, his extensive labeling of everything, chasing fire trucks on vacation, and having nearly every tool & gadget that exists. He often said, “The one who dies with the most toys wins”, and those that have seen Dick’s garage and barn have unanimously awarded him the gold medal. 

His legacy will live on in the lives he touched, the friendships that meant the world to him, and the local community he cared for so deeply. He was a man that strived to make the world a better place, he was a dedicated family man, and he will be missed by those who knew and loved him. 

Visitation will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025, from 3-5 PM and 7-9 PM at Harris Funeral Home, located at West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY. Firematic services will take place at 5 PM in the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM at St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church, 264 No. Main Street, Liberty, NY, officiated by Father Edward Bader. Burial with military honors will follow at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Memorial contributions in Dick’s name may be made to St. Peter’s Church or the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Harris Funeral Home, West St. at Buckley, Liberty, NY 845-292-0001 www.Harris-FH.com