McCann, Paul D.

McCann, Paul D. ALBANY On December 3, 2008, Paul D. McCann, a life-long resident of Albany, departed this life with the same grace and dignity that characterized his 94 years on earth. He was predeceased in May 2005 by his wife of 65 years, Bettie Welnhofer McCann. Mr. McCann leaves behind a long list of professional, religious, and community accomplishments. He was a graduate of Vincentian High School and Niagara University. Following graduation in 1937, he joined the Division of Criminal Identification of the New York State Department of Correction, and was promoted to the position of assistant director in 1942 and director in 1960. In 1964, he was named as a consultant to a study group selected by Governor Nelson Rockefeller to explore the feasibility of computerizing the files of the division, primarily fingerprints and criminal record data. The outcome of the study was the creation of the New York State Identification and Intelligence System which in turn became a part of the current Division of Criminal Justice Services. Mr. McCann served as a deputy director of the division until his retirement in 1974. He was a member of the International Association of Identification and was elected as president of the association at its annual conference in Havana in 1952. He was a past president of the Capital District Chapter of the American Association of Retired Persons and vice-chairman of the AARP State Legislative Committee. Mr. McCann was active for many years in Vincentian High School Alumni affairs, serving as president, and as a member of the Vincentian School Men's Association. He also served as vice-president of the St. Vincent de Paul's Holy Name Society, as chairman of the parish Cub Scouts, and as a member of the Boy Scout Committee. He was one of the original members of the Nocturnal Adoration Society in the parish. During the 1940s, he participated regularly in the Father Peyton Family Rosary Program, broadcast weekly over the local radio stations. For many years, he and his wife served as volunteers with the St. Peter's Hospital Meals On Wheels program. Mr. McCann is survived by his eight children, Annette (James) Facteau of Harwich, Mass., David (Nancy) McCann of Stillwater, Mary Beth Barry (Kevin, deceased, and Dan Murphy) of Watervliet, James (Susan, deceased) McCann of Loudonville, Therese McCann of Delmar, Kevin (Nancy) McCann of Delmar, Dennis (Rita) McCann of Albany, and Martha McCann of Loudonville. In addition, he is survived by 47 grandchildren and great-grand-children. Funeral services will be held in the Hans Funeral Home, 1088 Western Ave., Albany, Saturday morning at 8:15 and from there to St. Margaret Mary's Church, Homestead St., Albany at 9:00. Relatives and friends are invited and may call at the funeral home Friday from 4-8 p.m. Interment will be in St. Agnes Cemetery, Menands. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to do so can make a memorial contribution to St. Margaret Mary's Church, 1168 Western Avenue, Albany, NY 12203.