Deacon J. Neil Hook

Albany - Deacon J. Neil Hook, 90, died Sunday, June 15, 2025, at Daughters of Sarah Albany, after a long illness.

Born in Troy, he was son of the late Paul Hook and Mary Hogan Hook and husband of the late Carol Willard Hook. He was raised and resided in theTroy area most of his life. He was a graduate of Catholic Central High School and studied social work at Fordham University, Theology at St. Bernard's Institute, Philosophy at St. Joseph's Seminary and College in Yonkers and Manhattan College.

Neil dedicated his career to public service and community leadership. He served as Assistant Director for the Rensselaer County Department for Youth, Assistant Director for Prevention at the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services, and Parish Life Director at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Ballston Lake.

He was a retired deacon in the Diocese of Albany and currently was a "senior deacon" in the Diocese.  Neil was a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission Diocese of Albany and Vice-chairman-Commission for Ecumenical and Interreligios Affairs, and was a past president of the Secular Franciscan Order in Rensselaer.

He was choir director and organist for Sacred Heart Church in Troy for 23 years, and in 1986, founded and served as the original music director of the Festival Celebration Choir which will be celebrating its 40th anniversary next year.

Survivors include his daughter, Helen M. Hook, Broadalbin; his son, Paul E. Hook, Albany; his granddaughters, Jessica Cameron and Julia Hook and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a daughter, Christine A. Hook and a brother, Rev. Paul Hook.

Relatives and friends may call at St. Michael the Archangel Church 175 Williams Road Troy, on Wednesday June 18, 2025 from 4-7PM.

Funeral service will be held Thursday at 9:30AM at St. Michael the Archangel Church Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated.

Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery Troy.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in memory of J. Neil Hook to the CMT Research Foundation, Inc., Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease,  4062 Peachtree Road | Suite A209 Atlanta, GA 30319 https://cmtrf.org/donate/ in memory of his daughter, Christine.  We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle, view videos or for service directions.

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