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Celebrating the life of Martin Gerald Farber.
Agreed to by the Senate, March 5, 2026
Agreed to by the House of Delegates, March 9, 2026
WHEREAS, Martin Gerald Farber, a distinguished policy expert who dedicated his career to protecting the powerless and provided keen insights to state lawmakers as a member of the Division of Legislative Services for more than three decades, died on November 19, 2025; and
WHEREAS, a native of Washington, D.C., Martin “Marty” Farber graduated from the University of Virginia in 1964, then served as a caseworker with the Montgomery County Welfare Board and worked as an urban renewal assistant with the Redevelopment Land Agency before earning a master's degree in sociology from Howard University; and
WHEREAS, in the 1970s, Marty Farber evaluated police and community relations projects with the American Institutes for Research, then held evaluator, research analyst, or consultant positions with UNCO, Inc., Booz Allen and Hamilton, the Urban Institute, the City of Richmond's Office on Youth, the Division of Justice and Crime Prevention, and other organizations; and
WHEREAS, Marty Farber evaluated energy conservation programs as a policy analyst with the Office of Emergency and Energy Services from 1980 to 1984, when he joined the Division of Legislative Services; and
WHEREAS, Marty Farber served the members of the General Assembly for more than 30 years, providing steadfast support to the House Committee on Conservation and Natural Resources, the House Committee on the Chesapeake and Its Tributaries, and the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources; and
WHEREAS, Marty Farber contributed to the research, preparation, and revision of hundreds of pieces of complex legislation during regular and special sessions of the General Assembly,
cultivating an encyclopedic
knowledge of a vast range of topics and developing strong working relationships with lawmakers and other stakeholders; and
WHEREAS, during his tenure with the Division of Legislative Services, Marty Farber oversaw the recodification of Title 3.1 of the Code of Virginia and conducted studies on combined sewer overflows, slant drilling under the Chesapeake Bay, water withdrawal surcharges, and other topics affecting the health and stability of the Commonwealth's waterways and natural resources; he also crafted speeches and position papers for members of the General Assembly; and
WHEREAS, Marty Farber treated colleagues and state officials alike with the utmost professionalism and respect, and he was admired for his dependability, honesty, sharp intellect, wit, and ability to deliver keen advice with good humor; and
WHEREAS, over the years, Marty Farber shared his extensive knowledge of the Commonwealth's laws and legislative processes with younger members of the Division of Legislative Services as a trusted mentor; and
WHEREAS, through his astute counsel, his commitment to excellence, and the scope of his institutional knowledge, Marty Farber ensured the good and efficient functioning of state government and helped the General Assembly better serve the residents of the Commonwealth until his well-earned retirement from the Division of Legislative Services in 2016; and
WHEREAS, Marty Farber's contributions improved and protected the Commonwealth's agricultural heritage and industries, conserved vital natural resources, and shaped environmental policies, permitting, and regulations for years to come; and
WHEREAS, Marty Farber lived most of his adult life in Richmond's historic Fan District, where he was a trusted friend and neighbor who had a quiet but lasting impact on the community; and
WHEREAS, after his brother's death in 2015, Marty Farber guided his nieces and their children through one of the most difficult periods of their lives, providing warmth, comfort, and unwavering support; and
WHEREAS, Marty Farber will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by his nieces, Heather, Becca, and Elle, and their families; and numerous other family members, friends, and colleagues; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby note with great sadness the loss of Martin Gerald Farber; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Martin Gerald Farber as an expression of the General Assembly's respect for his memory.