Paul R. Lyons

Glenmont - Paul R. Lyons, 77, passed away Wednesday, April 26, 2023, surrounded by loved ones.

He was born to the late John and Elise Lyons on April 15th, 1946, in Albany, NY.

He was a 1964 graduate of Cardinal McClusky High School, a 1968 graduate of St. Barnard College in Coleman, AL and earned his Master’s Degree at North Adams State College. In December of 1968 he married his loving wife, Joan Lyons. They shared their life for 56 years and were blessed with two sons, Michael & John.

After graduating from St. Barnard’s, he started his lifelong teaching and basketball coaching career at Catholic High School in Memphis, TN. After a couple years, he returned home to Albany where he was employed by the Albany City School District. He was employed by the ACSD for more than 30 years, retiring as the Vice Principal of the Philip Livingston Middle School.  Most notably, he was the Albany High School’s Varsity Basketball Coach for 31 years.

In 2005, Paul was inducted into the NYS Basketball Half of Fame. He was also, a member of the Cardinal McClosky HS Hall of Fame and received many awards such as the Christian Brothers Academy Service and Dedication Award, as well as the Albany HS Coaching and Achievement Award. During his successful coaching career, he had 515 wins, 9 Section 2 Championships and 2 NYSPHSAA Regional Championships.

He was a communicant of St. Mary’s Church in Albany.  He enjoyed all sports including golf and tennis.

Besides his parents, he is pre-deceased by a brother John ‘Jack’ Lyons (2022) and a sister Anne Cotrofeld (2016).

He leaves his loving wife of 56 years, Joan Lyons; a son Michael (Lisa) Lyons of Glenmont and John (Mary) Lyons of Chesterfield; grandchildren Michael (Melissa) Lyons, Jr., of Niskayuna and Jordan (Jeff Wicks) Lyons of Rotterdam; a sister- in- law Rose Lyons of East Greenbush; and several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held from 4:00pm to 7:00pm Thursday, May 4th at Cannon Funeral Home, 2020 Central Avenue, Colonie.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:00am Friday, May 5 at St. Mary’s Church, 10 Lodge Street, Albany. Entombment will follow at St. Agnes Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Bernard Preparatory School in Coleman, Alabama in honor of Paul Lyons.