Paul Brophy

Passed away on January 1, 2026 at the age of 73.

          Paul Brophy was the youngest of nine children born to John and Eleonore Brophy. A "snapshot" of him as a youngster is given in this letter from an older cousin, Peter S. "In my fond memory Paul is a young entrepreneur who has recognized that his school-age siblings are tired and in a hurry every morning while he is unencumbered by school concerns and is well rested by his earlier bedtime, so he has sold them his lunch-making services, and has now spread out all of the slices of a loaf of bread, in pairs, and with a wide smile on his charming face, is assembling and wrapping sandwiches as he proudly describes what each person has ordered. The love his sisters and brothers showed for him was heart-warming to witness."

          Paul's siblings are Kathy LaBue, Richard, Robert (deceased), Gerald (Margaret), Thomas (deceased), Margery Galiher (husband Jon deceased) Mary Ann Brophy (husband Richard deceased), John (Kimberly) and sisters-in-law Monica and Martha.

Paul's Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Church of the Assumption (20 East Avenue, Fairport, NY) on Saturday, April 25th,10:00 a.m. At this same location, the Mass will be followed by a Celebration of Life. This is very fitting for Paul has always celebrated life! 

          As a child in the 10th Ward, he played the year-round in "The Aquinas Woods" which, at that time, extended to Aquinas Stadium. In the summer he would walk with others over to Seneca Park pool to swim and perfect his cannonball. As he got a bit older, he would hitchhike down to Charlotte. Throughout his life, Paul was drawn to the water: swimming, sailing, and water skiing, down at Conesus Lake. One of his favorite outings was enjoying a casual dinner at O'Loughlin's where he could watch the sailboats. Paul was full of life and fun - which was always better when shared with friends. He cared deeply for his family. When his Godson, Jon, was to be baptised, Paul and his friend Bill rode their motorcycles out to Minnesota for the ceremony. They arrived in the middle of a wind and rain storm, freezing, because their poor quality rain gear was nothing but tatters! For his Goddaughter, Michelle's First Communion, he flew out to Texas, and when his sister and family were moving, he flew out to Michigan to help finish packing and drive the U-Haul back to Rochester. He treasured family holidays and birthdays, once creating a huge peace sign to hang from the roof of our three story house. Paul liked the treats and decorations at these events, never taking them for granted and always voicing his appreciation.

          Paul attended Aquinas Institute (graduate class of 1970) and it was there he found a new sport - soccer! In November 1968, he wrote his sister, "In soccer, I was captain of the team, and we won 4 tied 2 and lost 10. It may not sound too good to you, but it was better than last year. I also have a good chance of making all-Catholic as a fullback." He worked as an office boy and in the stadium with the Rochester Lancers and was thrilled to see Pele play when the NY Cosmos came to town in 1975.

          Paul enjoyed his AQ years and was delighted when his nephew, Mike, and several nieces and nephews after him, chose to attend Aquinas. Paul loved to drive his car with the windows down, the family dog, Colin, next to him on the seat, both of them loving the wind blowing through their hair - although Paul's ears did not flap in the wind.

            Paul's idea of Heaven would not be strumming harps, but sailing catamarans; not resting on clouds, but skiing on ever fresh snow, or waterskiing under a hot sun and top it off with a one on one match with Pele. May God bless you and keep you, Paul, ever loved and ever loving.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of Paul, contributions may be made to: National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) or Matthew's Closet, 316 Bay Street, Rochester, NY 14605.

To share a memory of Paul or leave a special message for his family, visit the guest book below.