Albert Joseph Patregnani

Waterford, NY - Albert Joseph Patregnani, age 97, passed away peacefully at home on November 14, 2025. As a first-generation Italian American born in Waterford, NY to the late Guerino and Louisa Patregnani, Albert grew up in a big family of brothers, sisters, and cousins. Affectionately known as “Ally” or “BaPa” by friends and family, he lived a life filled with laughter and smiles for everyone he met.

Albert was employed by the NYS Dept. of Transportation for 37 years. He started as a mechanic on the Erie Canal tugboat, the Urger, before working his way up to being its Derrick Boat Captain before retiring in 1987. He resided in Mechanicville, NY in the 1990’s and moved to Raleigh, NC in 2008. Albert strongly believed in serving others in any way he could, whether it be as a volunteer fire fighter in Waterford, a Eucharistic Minister at St. Paul’s Church in Mechanicville, or in his “retirement” years, helping others by fixing lawnmowers, shoveling driveways, or providing transportation to the store for those who needed a ride. He proudly served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Army while stationed in Germany during the Korean War. After the war, Albert was a member of many volunteer organizations, including the Saratoga National Cemetery Honor Guard from 2001-2008, the Korean War Veterans Association, Chapter 60, in Glens Falls, the American Legion Post in Mechanicville, and the Mechanicville Senior Citizens Association. In his younger years, Albert trained and raised beagles for dog trials and was a member of the Adirondack Beagle Club, Upper Hudson Beagle Club, and the Long Lake Hunting Club. He loved reading his “cowboy” books, watching westerns on tv and being there to cheer on his grandsons, Ryan and Eric, in whatever sport or activity they were involved in.

Albert was often a caretaker for family members going through illnesses, including the love of his life, the late Mary (DeCelle) Patregnani, whom he married in 1965. Together they were blessed with many wonderful years of marriage and a loving family. He was the father of the late MaryBeth Patregnani, and Allison Jones (Shawn) of Raleigh, NC, and the stepfather to Darlene Moore (Bob) of Havelock, NC, Karen Jalonski (John) of Waterford, CT, Richard Moore of Troy, NY and Jack Moore of Broadalbin, NY. Albert was a proud grandfather to Ryan Jones (Somer) and Eric Jones in addition to many step grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was also a beloved uncle to numerous nieces and nephews. Albert always had a cheerful disposition and a positive attitude towards life. He will be greatly missed by everyone who was lucky to have known him.

Relatives and friends may call from 4pm to 7pm Friday November 21, 2025 at the Chase-Smith Family Funeral Homes, 319 Park Ave, Mechanicville.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am Saturday November 22 at St. Mary’s Church, 119 Broad St., Waterford.

Burial with military honors will follow in the family plot at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Waterford.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Albert’s memory to a charity of your choice.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.