Francis J. Hartigan

Albany-Francis (Fran) J. Hartigan passed away on Sunday, August 28,2016. Born July 7, 1936 in Albany, he was the youngest child of John and Harriet (Barnes) Hartigan. He attended St. Patrick’s grammar school and was a 1954 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School. Fran entered Mater Christi Seminary in Albany and graduated from St. Bonaventure University in 1960. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest for the Albany Diocese in 1964 and was stationed at St. Ambrose Church, Latham; St. Peter’s Hospital as chaplain; St. Mary’s, Clinton Heights; and as pastor of St. Anne’s Church, Waterford. He also taught at Maria College. Following his service in active ministry to the church, he received a master’s of library science from UAlbany. Fran retired from state service in 2002 after 26 years, most recently as the head of the periodical library. He worked part time for many years at Swinburne Skating Park and Bleecker Stadium, where he spent many happy days playing as a child. In November 2005, he suffered a stroke and a month later a heart attack. After undergoing open heart surgery on Christmas Eve, to the amazement of all, Fran recovered fully and four months later danced at his son’s wedding. Over the next 11 years, he saw all three sons married and welcomed six grandchildren into the world. He cheered with the Cameron Crazies at a Duke basketball game, took a helicopter ride into the Grand Canyon, saw the lights of Las Vegas and witnessed the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. In his younger days, Fran loved playing sports. His nickname was “Tank,” and when his sons were growing up, he could be found coaching Little League or taking them to Albany Twilight League games. He embodied the word “Father,” in earlier years bearing witness to parishioners in their times of sorrow and joy, and later as a tireless example of love and devotion to his wife and children. Fran loved and embraced all people, and his smile, warmth and spirit will be missed by all who came into contact with him. No one within arm’s length of him was ever a stranger. No matter where he traveled, he always ran into someone he knew. He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, the former Kathleen Poli; his cherished sons: Jeremy (Holly) of Ithaca; Jason (Rebecca) of Colonie; and Justin (Mary) of Yonkers; adored Poppa to: Tyler, McKenzie, Addison, Colin, Brendan and Maxwell Francis; brothers William of Manhattan and John (Jean) of Albany; father and mother-in-law Humbert and Ellen Poli; in-laws Michael, Terri, Mark, Patty and Matt (Lisa) Poli; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister and her husband, Joan (Jerry) Dombrowski; niece Jessica Voltz-Donadio; and brother-in-law William Commerford. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Fran’s family Wednesday, August 31, 2016 4:00 to 7:00 pm in the McVeigh Funeral Home, 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral services Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 8:45 am in the McVeigh Funeral Home, Albany thence to Blessed Sacrament Church, Albany at 9:00 am where a Funeral Mass will be celebrated. The Rite of Interment will be held at Calvary Cemetery, Glenmont immediately following the Mass. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association of Central New York, 441 W. Kirkpatrick St., Syracuse, NY 13204, or Blessed Sacrament, 607 Central Ave., Albany, NY 12206.

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Francis J. Hartigan

July 7, 1936 - August 28, 2016