Rev. Paul Engel, 82

A funeral Mass was offered April 15 at Blessed Sacrament parish, Albany, for Rev. Paul Engel, who died April 9. He was 82 and had been a priest of the Albany Diocese for 58 years.

A native of Troy, he served as an associate pastor at St. Francis de Sales, Troy; St. Brigid's, Watervliet; and Our Lady of Victory, Troy. He was vice principal of Catholic Central High School, chaplain to the Little Sisters of the Poor and chaplain at Hudson Valley Community College and LaSalle Institute, all in Troy.

After a stint as diocesan director of the Newman Apostolate, Father Engel was named pastor of Blessed Sacrament, Albany. He then became director of the diocesan programs for permanent deacons and for camping. In 1978, he was named pastor of St. Catherine's, Middleburgh; he also served at St. Joseph's, Schoharie; then as pastor of Our Lady of Fatima, Delanson.

Even in retirement, he continued to serve as Our Lady of Fatima's sacramental minister for many years, as well as serving at St. Lucy/St. Bernadette, Altamont. In a 2012 interview, he explained this simply: "It's nice to be needed. I'm not big on golf. I was ordained a priest and I'm so glad that Bishop Hubbard lets us continue to minister as priests."

That comment seemed typical of the avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed nothing more than being active in nature and of service to God's people. He will surely be remembered for both - and welcomed into heaven after nearly six decades of priesthood.

Survivors include a sister, Mary Anne Weinman of Albany. Interment will be private at a later date.[[In-content Ad]]