St. John’s Mourns the Passing of Rev. James F. Dorr, C.M. ’79M.S.Ed.

St. John’s University and the Eastern Province of the Congregation of the Mission mourn the passing of Rev. James F. Dorr, C.M. ’79M.S.Ed., a beloved Vincentian priest whose life of faith, service, friendship, and pastoral care touched countless lives over more than six decades of priestly ministry. He was 95 years old.

Born and raised in Buffalo, NY, Fr. Dorr dedicated his life to the Vincentian community, faithfully living the charism of St. Vincent de Paul through his ministry to the Church, St. John’s University, and the panoply of people that comprised this raconteur’s Rolodex of relationships forged over a lifetime of service to others.

“Fr. Dorr was his own social network before the term took on a digital meaning,” remarked Brian Browne, Associate Vice President, University Communications and Public Affairs, who, like generations of St. John’s alumni, first met the gregarious priest as an undergraduate. “He would literally make room at his table for others and would go out of his way to make introductions and forge connections for linking people together. He knew everyone and had a gift of connecting people to help them personally, professionally, or just because he thought you should know this person. Fr. Dorr was at ease moving about the C-Suite of a Fortune 500 company or the sloppy stalls of Belmont Park. He was one of a kind.”

He was first exposed to the charism of St. Vincent de Paul by Vincentians who served his South Buffalo, NY, community during his formative years as an altar server, when generations of residents identified themselves by their local Catholic parish rather than street boundaries. At Canisius High School and Niagara University, he formed lifelong friendships and his vocation to the priesthood.

After graduation, he joined the Vincentians and studied at Mary Immaculate Seminary in Northampton, PA, and was ordained on May 31, 1958. In his 68 years of priesthood, Fr. Dorr served in a variety of ministries: as a missionary in Panama, high school teacher, parish priest, vocation director, and chaplain. His longest ministry was at St. John’s as a beloved chaplain to students, faculty, administrators, and staff.

A fixture at St. John’s Men’s Basketball games, for years Fr. Dorr could be found seated at midcourt donned in a red sweater and a matching tam o’ shanter atop his thick head of hair. An avid golfer, he was the driving force behind the annual Newman Golf Classic, a must-attend fundraiser that he personally coordinated for a quarter of a century. The golf outing that began as the Newman Golf Classic in 1988 was renamed in honor of Fr. Dorr in 2008. 

In an interview published in 2013, Fr. Dorr shared what motivated him to help St. John’s students:

“I worked my way through college, so I know what it’s like for a student to be faced with tuition expenses every semester,” he said. “And, during my first three years after ordination, I worked in the overseas missions in Panama, where I saw poverty firsthand. St. Vincent urges us to work with the poor, and I have a personal commitment to help those in need whenever I can. The people who come out to help us every year are so incredibly generous. I am honored to be associated with them.”

Fr. Dorr’s ministry reflected a deep commitment to service and accompaniment. Following his ordination, he served in the missions of Panama and Costa Rica before returning to the United States for parish ministry in Philadelphia, PA. Throughout his priesthood, he embraced a variety of leadership and pastoral roles, always bringing warmth, compassion, and a genuine concern for those entrusted to his care. 

For many years, Fr. Dorr was a familiar and cherished presence at St. John’s, where he served as chaplain to students, faculty, administrators, and staff, as well as assistant to the president for development and special events. His presence on the Queens, NY, campus helped shape generations of students, and his dedication to the University’s Vincentian mission left a lasting mark on the institution. 

He celebrated moments of great joy, as well as times of sorrow and crisis, while administering the sacraments to students and St. John’s alumni. He also served as chaplain to The Peter J. Tobin College of Business and remained a steadfast supporter of the St. John’s community long after his formal retirement.

Fr. Dorr’s ministry extended far beyond traditional settings. Even after retiring from active employment in 2010, he continued serving others with characteristic energy and dedication. Among his most distinctive ministries was his long service celebrating Sunday Mass for the workers, horse owners, and jockeys of Belmont Park, bringing the Eucharist to those whose schedules often prevented them from attending parish worship. His pastoral care earned him the respect and affection of the racing community, where he became a familiar and beloved figure.

Known for his kindness, droll humor, and unwavering priestly presence, Fr. Dorr built meaningful relationships wherever he served. Colleagues, alumni, parishioners, and friends remember a priest who listened attentively, encouraged generously, and embodied the Vincentian spirit of meeting people where they were. Whether ministering on campus, in parish settings, on mission, or at the racetrack, he brought faith to life through personal connection and authentic care for others.

“For twenty years, I had the enjoyable privilege of living and working at  St. John’s with Fr Dorr,” reflected. Rev. Patrick Flanagan, C.M., Ph.D., Vice Chair Board of Governors, Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Studies.

“As the Irish are known to say, he was a real benediction for me and the St. John’s community. Always engaging with his Irish wit and his collection of entertaining stories—we all had our favorites; he was a welcome presence in my life and the countless others who mourn his passing."

“Fr. Dorr’s legacy at St. John’s is rich, leaving behind a stellar example of a faithful servant of Jesus Christ as a Vincentian priest, joyful and generous colleague and brother, tireless fundraiser, and just a fine gracious man.”

His many contributions were recognized throughout his life; honors included the President’s Medal from St. John’s University for his exemplary service to the institution and its mission. Yet, those who knew him best will remember not the honors he received, but the countless ways he quietly and faithfully served others.

As the St. John’s community gives thanks for Fr. Dorr’s remarkable life and priesthood, we remember a man whose ministry reflected the Gospel values of compassion, humility, and service. His legacy lives on in the many people whose lives were enriched by his friendship, guidance, and example.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen.

Wake: Wednesday, July 29: 3–5 and 7–9 p.m. 

Thursday, July 30: 9–10 a.m.                    

St. Vincent’s Seminary Community Chapel 

Funeral: Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, July 30, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Vincent’s Seminary Community Chapel 

Interment: Thursday, July 30, 2:00pm Princeton Abbey Cemetery, Princeton, NJ