Reverend Joseph P. Cotugno

ALBANY Reverend Joseph P. Cotugno, 67, died peacefully Wednesday, April 5, 2006 in the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital. Born in Albany, he was the son of the late Paul and Josephine Bevilacqua Cotugno. Father was a graduate of the former Cathedral Academy in Albany and then attended Mater Christi Seminary. After studying philosophy at Paca Street, he completed his studies in theology at St. Mary's Seminary in Roland Park. He was ordained to the priesthood in 1964. During the 42 years that he served as a priest, he touched many lives. To all who knew him and loved him...peace, joy and love. After a summer assignment in Haines Falls, Father was assigned to St. Michael's in Amsterdam and eventually served at St. Mary's School and Bishop Scully High School in Amsterdam. From Amsterdam, he moved to St. Peter's in Troy for two years and then returned to Amsterdam to serve at St. Mary's Hospital. In 1970, Father was assigned to St. Peter's in Saratoga and also served as the Newman Chaplain at Skidmore College. While continuing to reside at St. Peter's, he went on to graduate school in social work at SUNY Albany. He then became pastor of St. Michael's in Amsterdam followed by a pastorate at Immaculate Conception Church in Schenectady. While pastor at St. Michael's, Father Cotugno was elected to the board of education in Amsterdam, a fact he was very proud of. Father returned to campus ministry in 1989 when he was assigned to SUNY Albany. In 1994, he became pastor of St. John the Evangelist in Rensselaer. He became the director of the Diaconate Formation Program in 1999, a position he held until his death. Most recently, Father was in residence at St. James Church in Albany. On weekends, he served at the Capital District Psychiatric Center and Holy Trinity Church in Cohoes. Survivors include his son, Jason (Theresa) Cotugno of Latham; his brother, Louis J. (Sally) Cotugno of Cohoes; three grandchildren, Gabriella, Jason and Dominick Cotugno; a niece, Bridget (Brian) Scribner of Ballston Spa; a nephew, Mark Cotugno of Colonie; a grandnephew, Benjamin Scribner; two aunts, Adelina Haggerty and Mary Cochetti; his uncle, John Bevilacqua; and several cousins. A reception of the body and vigil will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. at Holy Trinity Church, 122 Vliet Blvd., Cohoes followed by the Parish Eucharist at 7 p.m. A wake will be held in the church from 4-7 p.m. Relatives, friends, parishioners, priests, deacons and religious are invited to the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial to be celebrated on Saturday at 11:00 a.m. in the Church of St. James, 391 Delaware Ave., Albany with the Most Reverend Howard J. Hubbard, D.D., bishop of Albany, presiding. A wake will precede the Mass from 10 to 11 a.m. in the church. Burial will be in the family plot in Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Colonie. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Hospice Inn at St. Peter's Hospital, 445 New Karner Rd., Albany, NY 12205 would be appreciated.