Rochester - Longtime Irondequoit pastor Father Robert C. Bradler, who also served for more than four decades as director of the diocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith, died Thursday, June 11, 2026. He was 91.

A Rochester native, Father Bradler grew up attending Holy Redeemer Parish and attended the parish school as well as Aquinas Institute. He completed his seminary studies at St. Andrew's and St. Bernard's seminaries in Rochester. He was ordained June 2, 1962 by Bishop James E. Kearney at Sacred Heart Cathedral.

After ordination Father Bradler served as assistant pastor at Holy Family, Rochester (1962-64); Immaculate Conception, Ithaca (1964); St. Anne, Rochester (1964-71); St. Augustine, Rochester (1971-73); and Holy Rosary, Rochester (1973-79).

He took on his first pastorate in 1979, serving at the helm of St. James Parish in Irondequoit for 16 years. He left St. James in 1995 but remained in Irondequoit, where he served as pastor at St. Thomas the Apostle Parish until reaching senior status in 2007.

Father Bradler was well-liked by his parishioners, according to longtime friend and traveling companion Father John Reif.

"I'm sure the parishioners remember the directness of his approach. He had a very unique way of communicating, which left no room for doubt as to where he stood. You always knew where you stood with him, and that's a complement," Father Reif said.

By the end of his second Irondequoit pastorate, Father Bradler had become so well-known in the community that people had taken to calling him "the mayor of Irondequoit," longtime friend Father Daniel Holland recalled with a chuckle.

Three years after arriving at St. James, Father Bradler also became director of the diocesan Society for the Propagation of the Faith, which supports worldwide mission work. He headed the local society from 1982 until 2022.

"He raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the missions," recalled Joey Conlon, who worked with Father Bradler for more than 20 years as office administrator of the missions office.

As diocesan director of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith, Father Bradler oversaw the Diocese of Rochester's mission appeal each spring as well as its participation in World Mission Sunday in the fall, Conlon said. He also spent months creating a schedule for missionaries' visits to diocesan parishes each summer.

"He did a lot of really good work there," Conlon remarked.

After reaching senior status, Father Bradler also spent many years celebrating Sunday Masses at Immaculate Conception Parish in Rochester. He also helped out at Christ the King Church in Irondequoit. The son of a firefighter, Father Bradler also served as chaplain for the Rochester Fire Department for more than 50 years.

In his spare time, Father Bradler loved visiting Niagara-on-the-Lake in Canada, watching theater performances and organizing a small annual retreat for fellow priests, Father Holland said.

"He was a wonderful friend. He was very sincere and loyal, and he had a unique sense of humor," Father Reif said.

Most recently, he was a resident of St. Ann's Community.

Father Bradler was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Emma Bradler; sister, Mary Hilburger; and brother-in-law Jack Hilburger. He is survived by his brother, Paul (Penelope) Bradler; nieces and nephews, Ingrid (Phankham) Sangasy, Mark (Christine) Hilburger, Robert Hilburger, Michael Hilburger and Ellen Hilburger; and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

Visitation for Father Bradler will take place June 18, 2026 from 2-6 p.m. at St. Kateri Parish's Christ the King Church, 445 Kings Highway South, Irondequoit. A vigil service will begin at 6 p.m.

Beginning at 9:30 a.m. on June 19, 2026, visitation will again take place at Christ the King Church. Father Bradler's funeral liturgy will begin at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery in Rochester.

Contributions in Father Bradler's memory may be made to the Propagation of the Faith at the Diocese of Rochester's Missions Office, 1150 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624.

- Courier obituary by Jennifer Burke