Obituary of Brother Peter C. Lyne, S.S.P.

On May 14, 2020 God called His faithful servant Brother Peter Lyne, 75, to be by His side. Born September 4, 1944 and raised in Jersey City by his parents Christopher and Anne (nee Bradley) Lyne. Pete attended St. Paul's Elementary School in Jersey City, followed by St. Cecilia's High School in Kearny, NJ. Pete took his vows in 1964 and became a dedicated member of the Society of Saint Paul (SSP). Brother Pete was called to devote his life to serve Christ and as the National Vocation Director he in turn led others to find their calling. Brother Pete mainly served in the ministry of promotion of St Pauls (Alba House) books which enabled him to formulate countless friendships throughout the United States. Brother Pete was a talented musician and singer; he played the organ and led the SSP in song at Mass. He championed Catholic education for his entire life, his work often took him to many Catholic schools in the tri-state area to speak about Catholicism and religious life. Brother Peter's vocation took him on many adventures throughout New York and New Jersey. Moreover, building on his role as National Vocation Director, Brother Pete moved to Dearborn, Michigan, to spread the message of Christ, and then later to Chicago, Illinois, where he assisted in the opening of St. Paul's Catholic Biblical Multicultural Book Center. When describing Brother Pete, his brothers in Christ wrote, "Pete was the finest of the humankind with a large heart that reached out to others in love and care. His spirit and enthusiasm for the Pauline Mission was praiseworthy and inspiring. He radiated the true joy of consecrated life." Brother Pete made friends wherever he went. He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, Assumption Counsel, Ancient Order of Hibernians, and an honorary member of Rolling Thunder. Brother Pete was proud of his Irish ancestry including having served as Grand Marshall in the 1984 Staten Island St Patrick's Day Parade. He played the bagpipes in many St. Patrick's Day celebrations over the years., including marching down 5th Avenue in New York City. His last St. Patrick's Day parade was in Staten Island this year, where he beamed with pride all day long . He loved everything Irish! On his many trips to Ireland, he lit up as he got closer to the Kingdom, Kerry. He reminisced about visiting Lauragh, his father's birthplace, on many occasions. He celebrated his ancestry in the Catskills where he would watch in awe the parade of bagpipers coming down Hunter Mountain. He enjoyed listening and singing along to traditional Irish Music. Family vacations to Jersey Shore provided a lot of joy for everyone in the family. Pete loved walking on the beach with family members and was always willing to give advice or share a story. The many trips to Alba House provided a chance for family and the SSP community to break bread and forge memories that lasted a lifetime. Brother Pete received countless awards, but what he valued most were the friendships he had made in all facets of his life. He leaves behind his loving family, his cousin Helen (nee Lyne) O'Connor, his nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews, as well as his Brothers and Sisters from the SSP. Due to the recommended safety measures caused by the coronavirus, funeral services are privately arranged on Tuesday May 19, 2020 at Matthew's Funeral Home. A memorial Mass will be organized at a future date. Brother Pete will be laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery, Staten Island. In lieu of flowers, please honor Brother Pete's life work and mission by donating to the Society of St. Paul, 2187 Victory Blvd., Staten Island.