Longtime Cape Charles Priest Father James Michael Breslin Dies at 82

CAPE CHARLES, Va. — Father James Michael Breslin, who served as parish priest at Saint Charles Borromeo Catholic Church for three decades and was a spiritual anchor for the Eastern Shore’s Catholic community, died peacefully on Nov. 18 at the church rectory. He was 82.

Born in 1943, Breslin committed to the priesthood shortly after graduating high school. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. Bernard Seminary and College in Alabama before attending St. Mary’s Seminary and University in Baltimore from 1961 to 1965. He was ordained on May 1, 1965, at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart in Richmond.

Over his 60-year ministry, Breslin served parishes across Virginia, including St. Bridget’s in Richmond, St. Ann’s in Arlington, Christ the King in Norfolk and Star of the Sea in Virginia Beach. He arrived at St. Charles in Cape Charles in 1995, where he remained until his death. Earlier this year, Bishop Barry Knestout recognized Breslin for six decades of priestly service.

A viewing is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5, at 9 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church. A funeral Mass will follow at 1 p.m., presided over by Bishop Knestout. A reception will be held afterward at The Pearl at the Oyster Farm. Interment in the church columbarium will take place at a later date.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Charles Church, 545 Randolph Avenue, Cape Charles, VA 23310.

Father Breslin was widely regarded as a compassionate pastor and steady presence in the community. Parishioners say he will be deeply missed.

Online condolences may be shared at Doughty Funeral Home’s website.

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Wayne Creed

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