Rochester - Father James E. Boyle, a longtime parish priest, died April 22, 2026. He was 85.

Father Boyle grew up in Rochester, where he attended Holy Rosary Parish and later St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's seminaries. He was ordained June 4, 1966, by Bishop James E. Kearney at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

After ordination, Father Boyle served as assistant pastor at Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Rochester from 1966-70. In 1970, he became assistant pastor at St. John of Rochester Parish. He served for three years in the first of what would eventually be three stints at the Fairport parish, all in different capacities.

In 1973, Father Boyle moved to St. John the Evangelist Parish in Rochester, where he served as copastor with Father John Mulligan until 1981. He then served as pastor at St. Mary Parish in Elmira from 1981-92.

Father Boyle returned to St. John of Rochester Parish in 1992, this time as pastor, and remained there for 15 years.

"He was a very conscientious pastor, and was well-received by his parishioners. They liked him," remarked Father William Michatek, who served as assistant pastor at St. John of Rochester from 1975-81.

Father Michatek and Father Boyle were seminary classmates and had remained close friends for more than 50 years, even taking several trips abroad together.

"He always kept in touch, and we enjoyed each other's company over the years. I'm going to miss him," Father Michatek said.

Father Boyle reached senior status in 2007 and moved to St. Joseph Parish in Penfield before returning to St. John of Rochester, this time to assist with weekend Masses. Father Boyle had most recently resided at St. Ann's Community.

Father Boyle was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Ann Bodden and Agnes Tubbs; and his brother-in-law, David Tubbs. He is survived by his brother-in-law, William Bodden; his nieces and nephews, Mark (Mindy) Bodden, Kevin (Angie) Bodden, Deborah Bodden, Laura Porcaro, David (Lisa) Tubbs and Rachel (Robert) Ciottariello; and many cousins and friends, including Mary Lou Beagan, Elizabeth Beagan, Anne (Peter) Mojsej, the family of the late Joseph McGinnity, Mary Kay and Tom Barrett, and Mercy Sister Mary Ann Binsack.

Visitation for Father Boyle will take place April 28, 2026, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. at St. John of Rochester Church, 8 Wickford Way in Fairport. A vigil service will begin at 4:30 p.m.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on April 29, 2026, visitation will again take place at St. John of Rochester Church. Father Boyle's funeral Mass will begin at 11 a.m.

Contributions in Father Boyle's memory may be made to St. John of Rochester Parish, 8 Wickford Way, Fairport, NY 14450.

- Courier obituary by Jennifer Burke