Father Eric F. Kyle, O.F.M., 91, a professed Franciscan friar for 69 years and a priest for 64 years, died Dec. 1, at Holy Name Friary, Ringwood, N.J.

Born in Brooklyn, he was baptized Edward William at St. Gabriel Church in East New York. He attended P.S. 154, and Alexander Hamilton H.S., Brooklyn.

He worked for two years for Manhattan Hanover Trust Co. before enrolling at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary in Callicoon, N.Y.

He was received into the Order of Friars Minor, Holy Name Province, in Paterson, N.J., on Aug. 12, 1946, receiving the religious name of Eric Francis, and professed his first vows there on Aug. 13, 1947. On June 28, 1952, he was ordained to the priesthood at Holy Name College by Archbishop Amleto Cicognani.

He served at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Manhattan, where he was a member of the pastoral staff from 1953 to 1955. He then served as spiritual director and instructor of English and theology at St. Joseph Seraphic Seminary, 1955-68.

Returning to Manhattan in 1968, he worked in the Provincial Development Office for three years. He was elected to the Provincial Council in 1969.

He also worked at Christ House, a retreat center in Lafayette, N.J.; as pastor at Sacred Heart Church, Rochelle Park, N.J., 1976-82; and then served at St. Catherine of Bologna Church, Ringwood, N.J., 1982-88 and St. Joseph Church, East Rutherford, N.J., and was resident chaplain at Carmel Richmond Nursing Home, Staten Island, 1993 to 2006.

Burial was at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, Totowa, N.J.