Timothy Cardinal Dolan never backed down from a political scrap, but was quick with a kind word and a sympathetic ear — and even kept a list of people he prayed for.

At 75, the retiring leader of the Archdiocese of New York leaves behind a legacy of both compassion and a firm resolve to fight for the teachings of the Catholic Church, encouraging fellow clergy to engage in politics to defend it, friends and colleagues said.

State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, a Catholic who represents South Brooklyn and Staten Island, recalled Dolan’s soothing presence during times of crisis.

“Cardinal Dolan was and is very special to both the Catholic faith community and the New York community overall,” she said. “One of the first things I remember, long before I was elected to office, is the comfort he gave to Staten Islanders who were devastated by Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

“I still hear stories about how important his warmth, reassurance, & visibility was during that time,” Scarcella-Spanton said. “His larger than life presence will be missed and I wish him well in his retirement.”

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