Father Paul Drobin, the longstanding chaplain of the Newman Center at Utica University who many considered a cherished member of the community, died on Sept. 27 at age 84. He impacted the lives of many students, faculty and staff through his deep passion and drive for inclusivity and spiritual-self realization, according to those who knew him.

Throughout his various roles, he was known to encourage people to seek a better understanding of one another.

Jason Denman, dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, said Drobin was one of the kindest people he ever met.

“At the Newman Center, back in the day, it was startling how welcome he made people feel,” Denman said. “You could have someone from a completely different faith tradition, or an agnostic, at a baptism, for instance, and it was so clear that all were welcome, and that all points of view and all faiths would be acknowledged and respected and embraced.  That was his ‘brand,’ so to speak, an almost radical inclusivity that is rare in any faith tradition.”

Denman said he occasionally saw Drobin after the Newman Center closed, and it would seem as though no time had passed.

“He had an easy and relaxed charisma that was palpable and I always got choked up when we would talk, simply because I could feel his love for others in general, and me in particular, a love I hardly merited,” Denman said.

Kristin Phelps, director of human resources, said there are not enough words to describe Drobin and the impact he had on peoples’ lives.

“Like so many in our community, Father was there for all the major chapters of my life,” Phelps said. “He officiated my wedding, the baptisms of my children, the funeral for my mother, and everything in between.”

Regardless of his personal struggles, Drobin was well-known for his unwavering support for his community, which never failed to turn out for him.

“All you have to do is look back at the Christmas Eve and Easter morning masses that needed to be held in the Library Concourse because of the number of people who attended,” Phelps said. “To see all these families come together and choose to share these special holidays in the Catholic faith with Father speaks volumes to the impact he had on his community.”

Drobin had a way with words and stories that made it easy for people to connect with him and “his love for puns.” Phelps said he made the effort to get to know each person, regardless of their spiritual background, and to meet them where they were in their religious journey.

“I know I speak for many when I say he was not just a priest or a friend,” Phelps said. “He truly was part of my family. I am forever grateful for his love, compassion, and wisdom. Our lives are better for having him in it.”

According to Phelps and Denman, everyone was genuinely welcomed under Drobin’s roof.

Denman added: “I miss him greatly, as do many people on our staff and our faculty.”

This story was originally published on The Tangerine on October 4, 2024.