Paul J. Trzcinski

1930 - 2025

Trzcinski, Paul J.
WATERVLIET - Paul John Trzcinski, 94, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at Samaritan Hospital in Troy with his twin daughters and friends at his side.
He was born in Watervliet, N.Y., on May 15, 1930, to the late Joseph and Helen (Brezina) Trzcinski. Paul was the beloved husband and "partner for eternity" to the late Roberta (Bert) A. Trzcinski.
Paul, the baby of 10 children, was guided not only by his parents but by all of his siblings. His older sisters were second mothers who dragged Paul along on their dates. Paul idolized his three brothers and wanted to follow them in their military careers. With their encouragement Paul joined the navy reserves in 1948. President Truman called him into active duty from 1950-1952 on the U.S.S. Des Moines, cruising the Mediterranean during the Koren Conflict. Upon leaving the Navy Paul returned to Watervliet and held various factory jobs, until joining The United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America in 1955. He was an active member for 38 years. Paul worked at GE West Milton Nuclear Lab, re-constructed the Green Island Bridge, office buildings in downtown Albany, Sano Rubin Dialysis Center in Troy, and dorm rooms at RPI. Paul completed his career at the Crescent-Visher Ferry Hydroelectric Power Plant.
Upon retirement, Paul remained active in various ways. He supported his unionized brothers by striking at construction sites to hire union members. He worked for various funeral homes, delivered flowers for Felthousen's, transported seniors to doctors' appointments, mowed the St. Ambrose's Lawn and was an active member of Colonie Senior Citizen Club, where he participated for years in the billiard league. Paul also shared his construction talents with family and friends, always willing to lend a hand.
Paul was married to Jenny Koltko from 1952-1971. He was devoted to her through her long illness. When Paul was ready, a loving friend sent Paul on a blind date, where he instantly knew Bert was the love of his life. Bert and Paul's 50 years of marriage was a loving partnership. Paul not only handled the outside chores, but cooked dinner, did laundry and cleaned the house for her when needed. Bert was the center of Paul's existence; he relied on her strength and was at a loss for the last year without her.
Paul's greatest joy and blessing occurred at the shocking birth of his twin girls. With Bert, he created a faithful and loving home. Through Paul's loving guidance, the twins obtained an education and successful careers. As a devoted father, Paul was the prime chaperone on all events, from Girl Scout trips, carpool to dance or just attending parent days at Maplewood School. All of the girl's friends knew Paul as "Twin's Dad" or "Mr. T." As the twins became involved at St. Ambrose, Paul stepped in where help was needed. He kept score many evenings and weekends for Lifeteen's basketball program. The teens loved having Mr. T a part of their activities.
Paul's Catholic faith was a vital part of his life. He was an active communicant of St. Ambrose Church in Latham, a member of the Holy Names Society, Eucharistic Minister and Young at Heart. For Paul, Sunday was God's Day, no matter where his family was, he always found a church for Sunday Mass.
Paul's true passion was spending quality time with Bert and the twins.
He loved camping and fishing at Alpine Lake Camping Resort and known as the "Mayor" of his camping club. Paul loved his house, garden and lawn. Neighbors would comment that after Paul mowed, he would bring out the scissors to ensure the lawn was cut to perfection. Paul also loved spending time with extended family. Attending polka parties, picnics, sporting events or just being together with his many nieces, nephews or others who called him grandpa/"T".
Paul leaves behind his loving and caring twin daughters, Suzanne and Sandra Trzcinski. Along with his parents and devoted wife; he was predeceased by his brothers, Michael (Mary), John (Betty), Thomas (Lucy); and his sisters, Katherine, Susanna, Helen (Bob), Mary (Ted), Cecelia (Frank), and Josephine (Gene). Paul is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and many wonderful friends including the loving Keye that helped care for him.
His funeral Mass will be Tuesday, April 22, at 10:30 a.m., at St. Ambrose Church, 347 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, with the Rev. Brian Kelly officiating. The Mass will be live streamed on St. Ambrose Media YouTube channel for family and friends who cannot attend. Interment will follow in the Immaculate Conception Cemetery, Latham. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the Parker Bros. Memorial, 2013 Broadway, Watervliet, on Monday, from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Ambrose Church (note "Church Renovations" in the memo line), 347 Old Loudon Rd., Latham, N.Y. 12110.
Condolence book at ParkerBrosMemorial.com