Martin V. Ralbovsky

The family of Martin V. Ralbovsky announces his passing on August 5, 2026, in the early morning, with family by his side at the Hospice Siegenthaler Center. Although we mourn his passing, we celebrate his life even more and are infinitely grateful to have known him as a husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, and more. We admire him for his undying love of his family and the exceptional example he set for his loved ones and friends. The following was written by Marty before his passing, filled in and finished with love by his family.

Martin V. Ralbovsky, 92, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026. He was born to a loving mother, Rose Helen Ralbovsky, on June 14, 1934. A staunch patriot, Marty took great pride in sharing his birthday with Flag Day. Martin received his education in Johnstown-Gloversville schools. After high school, his family moved to Little Falls, NY, where he met the love of his life, Patricia Elaine Kuenhle. The couple married in 1956 and, at the time of Marty’s passing, had enjoyed nearly 70 years of marriage. Martin was drafted into the United States Army in December of 1956 and proudly served his country. Stationed at Fort Belvoir, VA, after basic training at Fort Dix, NJ, he was an instructor of liquid oxygen generation in support of the Redstone Missile Program. Martin served and was honorably discharged as a Specialist 4th Class. After his service, he returned to the Mohawk Valley along with his bride; he continued his education by taking electronics classes and gained employment with Remington Rand (Univac), where he was part of a 5-man team that was sent to install computers in Vienna, Austria. After he left Univac, he built a career at Con Med in Utica, NY, where he was involved in the design of medical instruments and products. He worked many jobs, often more than one, to support his growing family.

Marty had a lifelong love of classic cars, owning a few himself. It is said that he could name the make and model of any classic on the road. Meticulous to a fault, he could fix anything. He took care of everything with pride and care, making all he had last for years. Marty and Pat purchased a home while raising a young family. He designed and built a large addition, making a small house into a loving home where the couple raised a special family. The home became his sanctuary, where he meticulously cared for the house and yard, with his wife, Pat, by his side. The home remains a place of family gatherings and joyful celebrations to this day. Car shows, snowmobiling with the Salisbury Ridge Runners where he was a life member and past president, and time with friends and family brought him joy for many years. Later years brought many bus trips for the happy couple. Martin was a long-time member of St. Paul’s Universalist Church in Little Falls, NY, serving many leadership roles as a pillar for nearly 70 years. Marty always took a little and gave a lot.

Martin is survived by his loving family, of which he was so proud, including his devoted wife Patricia, who stood by him through thick and thin; his son John (Karen) Ralbovsky; daughters Julie (Steve) Smith, Jennifer (Ken) Grove, Tricia (Kevin) Brown. Marty was blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Grandchildren include Sam (Macy) Ralbovsky, Kate Ralbovsky; Ryan Smith (Thom), Nolan (Sarah) Smith; Danielle Grove, Jessica Grove (Damien), Tyler Grove (Arianna); Andrew Brown, Brian Gurtowski (Julia), Ben (Stacey) Gurtowski, Zach Brown (Gabrielle). Great-grandchildren: Eliot, Morgan, Taylor, and Spencer Ralbovsky; Lillie Pate, Devin Lopez, McKenzie Lopez, Savannah Grove; Colsen Smith; Wesley and Eloise Gurtowski. He is also survived by his loving brother, Michael Polenski; a special nephew, Bill (AnnMarie) Kuehnle; and extended family. The family would also like to acknowledge his childhood friend and best man, Jack White, and his wife, Shirley.

He was predeceased by his brother Rudolph Raymond (Sloosh) Smith, and sisters Elizabeth Anne and Rosanne Gaudin.

It is impossible to summarize such a life in just a few words, but we hope that you get a small glimpse of Martin and the kind of man he was. He was special to so many. There is no way to effectively convey to you who he was and how much he will be missed.

The family would like to thank the Hospice community and Siegenthaler Center for their incredible support and the perfect execution of their mission. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Hospice and Palliative Care (Siegenthaler Center, New Hartford, NY) or the St. Paul's Universalist Church (Little Falls, NY). Envelopes will be available at the time of the services for any generous donations.

A celebration of Marty’s life will occur on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at the St. Paul’s Universalist Church, located at 565 Albany St., Little Falls, NY at 11:00 A.M. officiated by Reverend Jeffrey J. Frank. Following the service, friends and family are warmly invited to gather for a reception in the Fellowship Hall of the church to share memories, and celebrate a life well lived. Your presence and stories will honor Marty’s memory and provide comfort to those who love him.

Burial and interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. 

Marty and his family are under the care of the Enea Family Funeral Directors, 24 W. Monroe Street, Little Falls, NY 13365. 315-823-2424

His obituary may be viewed online at www.eneafamily.com