Father Nellis John Tremblay

Father Nellis John Tremblay

Jan. 29, 1928 - Jan. 19, 2024

QUEENSBURY-Father Nellis John Tremblay, Doctor of Divinity, 95, passed away on January 19, 2024 at the Memory Care Center at the Glen at Hiland Meadow. Born January 29, 1928 in Glens Falls Hospital, Glens Falls, NY to Francis and Grace (Cilley) Tremblay.

He was predeceased by his mother, Grace (Cilley) Tremblay; step-mother, Ida (Gregoire) Tremblay; father, Francis G. Tremblay; brothers, Adolphe Tromblay(sp), Louis Tremblay, Richard Tremblay and William Tremblay; sisters, Marilyn (Tremblay) Whelan, and Barbara (Tremblay) Fish.

Those left to cherish his memory are his extended family and the parishioners from the parishes where he served.

He attended St. Alphonsus School, Glens Falls, NY, 1934-1942, then attended Glens Falls High School, Glens Falls, NY, 1942-1945.

At 16 years old he served in the Army National Guard and received an honorable discharge. At age 17 was the head altar boy and during a Novena for Saint Anne, she spoke to him directly with the words, "My grandson wants you to be a Priest:" One week later he entered the seminary at St. Thomas in Hartford, Ct. from 1945 to 1948, after which he spent 6 years in St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 12, 1954.

He served the Albany Diocese for his entire career. At his many assignments he initiated the development of many groups and conferences which aided the parish and the local communities. This included starting the Catholic Inter-racial Council. He participated in organizing Block Self-Help groups and organized adult education Programs in reading and writing. He earned his Master's Degree (MA.D.MIN).

At Sacred Heart in Cohoes and St Patrick's in Albany he 'rehabbed' the churches, set up the first Catholic School Board in the Diocese; established the Parish Council Finance Board and joined Model Cities. In 1980 he did a 3-month sabbatical in Rome. When he returned home, he was tasked with covering parishes that needed help because of illnesses or deaths of their priests. In 1983 he became Pastor of St. Joseph' in Albany, establishing a Food Pantry, Thrift Shop, St. Joseph's Housing Corp. (to provide decent housing to low-income families), organized Vietnamese Communities which included Catholics and refugees from Vietnam. He helped start the Black apostolate.

In 1992 he became Pastor of St. Cecelia's in Warrensburg. He participated in instituting The North Country Ministry, Warren-Hamilton Counties Housing Corporation which he served as president, and the Economic Development Corporation of Warrensburg. During his tenure in Warrensburg the Knights of Columbus was organized.

He allegedly retired in 1998 (not really) as the priest shortage was becoming a burden on the younger priests, so in retirement he made a commitment to be available to continue to serve the Lord whenever and wherever he was needed. He became busier than ever!!

On March 15, 2020 he moved to the Terrace at the Glen at Hiland Meadows. He was happy and busy all the time. Everyone, including the staff, loved his positive attitude.

On February 6th, 2023 he became the first resident to move into the Memory Care Center at the Glen at Hiland Meadows. It took him a few weeks to acclimate and he was soon in his element.

Interment will be at St. Alphonsus Cemetery in Queensbury, in the Spring.

Calling hours will be on Wednesday January 24, 2024, family viewing 9:30 a.m., public viewing 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 50 Mohican Street, Lake George, NY. A Mass to follow at 12:00 p.m.

Funeral arrangements are with Singleton Sullivan Potter Funeral Home, 407 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804

For more information please visit www.sbfuneralhome.com.

In loving memory of Father Nellis and in lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in his name to North Country Ministries, 3933 Main St., Warrensburg, NY 12885