Father Paul P. Tartaglia, 92

Father Paul P. Tartaglia, 92

Father Paul P. Tartaglia, 92, died April 17 at Teresian House.

Father Tartaglia was a native of Albany and son of the late Paul and Victoria Spinosa Tartaglia. He was educated at St. James School and Cathedral Academy, both in Albany, and continued his studies at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Conn., and St. Bernard’s Seminary in Rochester.

On May 31, 1958, Bishop William A. Scully ordained him to the priesthood for the Diocese of Albany at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Albany.

Following ordination, Father Tartaglia ministered in the following areas: Blessed Sacrament Church in Albany, St. Paul the Apostle in Troy, during which time he taught at Catholic Central High School and served as Sodality Director. Father Tartaglia served as chaplain to the Sisters of St. Joseph in Latham and taught theology and scripture to the sister-candidates. 

His first pastoral assignment was at St. Mary’s Parish in Coxsackie, then St. John the Evangelist in Rensselaer and St. Paul the Apostle in Troy. In addition, Father Tartaglia was temporary administrator at: Holy Cross Church in Morris, St. Anthony’s Church in Johnstown, St. Patrick’s Church in Ravena, Notre Dame des Victoires Church in Whitehall, and St. Joan of Arc Church in Menands.

During his ministry he also was co-director of RENEW and, for 10 years, served as diocesan director for the Society for the Propagation of the Faith. He spent 12 years in residence and service at Historic St. Mary’s Church on Capitol Hill in Albany. Father Tartaglia also preached at retreats for clergy, religious and parish missions.

In a 2018 article in The Evangelist celebrating the 60th anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood, Father Tartaglia wrote: “It is difficult, if not impossible, to express my gratitude to God, to my brother priests and to the many people whose paths I crossed in my 60 years. The day has never dawned that I have had any regrets for being chosen to follow in the footsteps of the Lord (except) that I didn’t become more and more like the Master. Like all vocations in life, there are challenges, difficulties and wonderful surprises. My share in the priesthood is a treasure I cherish with absolutely no regrets.”

He was the dear brother of the late Kathryn Flanagan (Thomas), Anthony T. Tartaglia (Molly), Laura E. Fitzpatrick (Joseph), Elizabeth G. Tarasovich (Joseph) and Thomas P. Tartaglia (Jean). He is survived by 16 nieces and nephews, many grandnieces and grandnephews, countless former parishioners, religious and brother priests.

Father Tartaglia’s Funeral Mass was concelebrated April 23 at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Albany with Bishop Edward B. Scharfenberger presiding. The Rite of Committal was held at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands following the Mass.

Those wishing to remember Father Tartaglia in a special way may send a contribution to the Priests Retirement Fund, 40 North Main Ave., Albany, N.Y., 12208, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, Tenn., 38105, or the Society of the Little Flower, 1313 N. Frontage Road, Darien, Ill., 60561.