Father Paul Cox, 97

The Very Reverend Paul Christopher Cox, 97, passed away peacefully on Oct. 14.

The Very Reverend Paul Christopher Cox, 97, passed away peacefully on Oct. 14 at Teresian House in Albany, surrounded by family.

Father Cox was born Nov. 2, 1928, in North Greenbush, and was the son of the late Lynd and Helen (Kearns) Cox.

Father Cox grew up in Wynantskill and always considered it home. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in Troy before attending St. Andrew’s and St. Bernard’s Seminary, both in Rochester. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest on June 12, 1954. He served at faith communities for 70 years throughout the Capital District including St. Vincent DePaul in Albany, St. John the Baptist in Walton, Holy Spirit in East Greenbush, St. Mary’s in Glens Falls, Sacred Heart in Lake George and St. Cecilia’s in Warrensburg. He said weekly Mass at Countryside Adult Home, where he was a resident for nearly a year. At the time of his death, Father Cox was the oldest Catholic priest in the Diocese of Albany.

Father Cox shared a camp on Lake George in Kattskill Bay, with his friends, the late Father Nellis Tremblay and Father James Toole. Over the years, they welcomed family and friends for numerous joyful gatherings. Father Cox enjoyed swimming, hiking, bowling, music, basketball, golf and many other sports. He also enjoyed visiting Puerto Rico every January with several of his priest friends to soak up the sunshine and play golf. Father Cox had several treasured dog companions over the years and he enjoyed bringing them to local facilities as therapy dogs. He was a member of the Queensbury Golf Club, the chaplain of the Pilot Knob Fire Department and a member of the Knights of Columbus. 

He was involved for many years in Marriage Encounter. Father Cox, along with a small group of clergy, recognized a great need in the community and came together to establish North Country Ministry. What began with a vision to help those in need has grown into an organization that has assisted thousands throughout the community he served. 

Father Cox touched the lives of countless people through his kindness, generosity and patience. Father Cox loved his family, his priesthood and his brother priests, and all whom he served. He never forgot anyone. He faithfully visited the sick, comforted the sad and was more than generous to those in need. His quick and dry wit made him fun to be with. He had a beautiful tenor voice, loved to sing and greatly enjoyed classical music. He never complained and always greeted friends with a warm smile.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers, Edmund, Donald, Lynd and Norman Cox, his sisters-in-law, Sandra, Joan, Elinor and Selma Cox and his niece, Jane Cox. 

He is survived by his nieces, Jeannine Cox, Colleen Cox (Sean Murphy), Bridget Cox, Melissa Coyle, Monica Cox, Tricia O’Donnell (Rob), Jackie Cox, Dale Fougere (Rick), his nephews, Christopher Cox, Lynd Joseph Cox, Robert Cox, Bryant Cox (Lee), many great nieces and nephews and several great-great nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind many dear friends.

Father Cox loved and was dearly loved by the parish community at St. Cecilia’s in Warrensburg. The family would like to thank the members of the parish for their support of him over the years. Every meal, ride to appointments, visit and assistance over the years is greatly appreciated. The family would also like to thank the staff at Countryside Adult Home and the staff at Teresian House for their love and care for him in the past few years.

Contributions in Father Cox’s memory can be made to North Country Ministry, P.O. Box 478, Warrensburg, N.Y., 12885 or St. Cecilia’s Catholic Church, 3802 Main St., Warrensburg, N.Y., 12885.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated by Bishop Mark ­O’Connell on Oct. 20 at St. Cecilia’s Church in Warrensburg. Rite of Committal will be held at St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands.