Friday, November 6, 2026
He was simply known as Father Pat to so many here on Marco Island. Father John Patrick Boyhan was a special man who touched the lives of countless individuals in the community. His influence extended especially to those within the San Marco Catholic Church, but he also reached many who were not members of that congregation.
When news of his passing on December 29, 2025,reached his former parish on the island, sadness would quickly spread amongst those who knew him, from within and outside the parishhe once served.
Father Pat was known for his kind mannerisms and warm smile. Meeting him for the first time,he would immediately put you at ease—his natural inclination was to engage others in the most disarming manner imaginable. This quality quickly endeared him to all those he met. His kindness and supportive nature encouraged open and honest conversation, allowing people to feel comfortable and understood in his presence.
It became clear that Father Pat possessed all the great qualities of the turn-of-the-century Irish priests—those who walked among their parishioners in the small villages scattered across Ireland. Such priests were not only spiritual advisors but also counselors to those in need of guidance, deeply embedded in the communities they served. These personality traits would resonatepersonally with me, as my grandfather’s family on my mother’s side immigrated to America from one of those small Irish villages at the turn of the century.
Father Pat’s career within the Catholic Church was distinguished. He received his master’s degree from the Holy Apostles College, where he first discovered his love of teaching. His dedication led him to serve asa teacher, an administrator at the school, and eventually as its Vice President.
He continuedhis educational pursuits, earning a post-graduate degree, a Pontifical License in Spiritual Theology (Magna Cum Laude) from St. Thomas University in Rome, Italy.
He wenton to preach and give retreats in Canada, Europe, and the United States and was a member of the Missionaries of the Holy Apostles. This group concentrates on training young men and women for ministry in the church. Their group also immersesitself in missionary work around the globe, which created a fondness for the people of Peru.
The love of the Peruvian people and the identified needs, both spiritually and personally,brought him back on several occasions, and found parishioners such as Kathleen Reynolds and Cheryl Ferrara joining with him and others to assist in that missionary work when he was at the San Marco Church.
Father Pat served at San Marco Catholic Parish from 2000 until 2006,until he was reassigned to the Pope St. John XXIII Church in Ft. Myers. In 2012, he was transferred to St. Columbkille in nearby Iona, Florida, until his passing.
