Reverend Joseph P. Cotugno

What a gift we have received, to have had the "Holy Man" in our lives. We are so grateful to him for his loving support during hard times and for his graciousness and laughter during the fun times. You will never be forgotten, Joe. May YOU now know the peace, love and joy you wished for us! Thank you.

I am having trouble finding the words to describe my sense of loss knowing Father Joe is gone. I had the good fortune of coming to know and love Joe while a student at the University at Albany. Fr. Joe was co-Chaplain at the University at that time, along with Sister Maureen O’Leary, FSP. We were very blessed during those years to have a group of students who, under Joe and Maureen’s loving, spiritual guidance, found an extraordinary chemistry and created a community of faith that was...

Father Joe:

We will always remember our pre-Cana dinner at the Van Dyke. It took both you and Father Flynn to conduct the marriage service but it's lasted 23 years so far. Keep an eye on us from up there. You are the "Holyman" Love; Harry,Denny and Patrick Clinton

"Peace, Love and Joy!"
To this day, we cannot hear or read those words and not think of Father Joe. The joy and exuberance with which he carried out his priestly vocation has touched so very many lives. Our family is so very blessed and grateful to have had Father Joe "Holyman" Cotugno in our lives.

My deepest sympathy to Father Joe's family. Father Joe was a very special person whose heart, smile, friendship and ending mass quote of: "are there any announcements, any birthdays or anniversary's) will be missed. Father Joe was truly a man among men and the parish of Holy Trinity Church, Cohoes will miss him dearly but we will also all hold his memory in our hearts and prayers for many years to come. Father Joe, I hope our Father in Heaven see's those red socks and gives you your well...

peace and joy father. i enjoyed your zest for life.

My wife and I only knew Father Joe for a short time, but the both of us really took a liking to him. He will be missed not only in our hearts but in the hearts of many. Our deepest sympathy to the family and may your memories of him last a lifetime.

I will sure miss "The Holy Man of God!" He was an inspiration to many and a man of great love! He was my chaplain, friend and confidant at SUNY at Albany and helped form me into the man I am today. Alas his baptismal journey is complete and its his turn to enjoy the beauty and splendor of heaven! Keep an eye on all of us Joe....your love for all us is your Legacy. When our time arrives, may we all meet again and get one more hug in the Head Squeezer Line!!!

Father Joe has touched our lives so much. He just married us in September, and it's hard to imagine we won't be able to see him when we visit Albany again. He was a wonderful man who is loved by so many, and he will be missed deeply. We can truly say we are better people for having known Father Joe.