Who Was Father William Gillooly?
Father William Gillooly was a priest and alleged predator in the Diocese of Providence who served in Rhode Island for nearly four decades.
Born on November 11, 1918, Gillooly was ordained on December 23, 1944. He retired in 1981 and died on September 2, 1989.
All known allegations against Gilhooly surfaced after his death. He is included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence, and the Diocese of Providence’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.
Known Assignments
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report, Father William Gillooly served in the following assignments throughout the Diocese of Providence:
- 1944–1947: St. James Church, West Warwick
- 1947–1950: St. Francis of Assisi Church, South Kingstown
- 1950–1958: St. Peter Church, Warwick
- 1958–1961: St. Charles Borromeo Church, Woonsocket
- 1961–1964: St. Patrick Church, Burrillville
- 1964–1967: St. Francis of Assisi Church, South Kingstown
- 1967–1968: St. Teresa of Avila Church, Providence
- 1968–1972: St. Agnes Church, Providence
- 1972: St. Patrick Church, Burrillville
- 1972–1973: St. Clare Home, Newport
- 1973–1981: St. Rita Church, Warwick
- 1981: Retired
Allegations Against Father William Gillooly
According to the Rhode Island AG’s Report, the Diocese received three posthumous complaints alleging that Father William Gillooly sexually assaulted boys between the ages of 8 and 15, while serving at St. Francis of Assisi Church in South Kingstown and St. Rita Church in Warwick from 1965 and 1978.
Although all three allegations surfaced after Gillooly’s death in 1989, the Attorney General’s Report notes there is no indication the complainants were aware of one another when they came forward. The complainants came forward in 2004, 2011, and 2013.
Notably, however, the Diocese may have been aware of misconduct by Gilhooly before these reports. “Diocesan records… indicate that Bishop Louis Gelineau forced Gillooly to retire in 1981 after confronting him with a ‘list of accusations,’ the details of which are not clear. In exchange, Gelineau agreed that Gillooly would receive full retirement benefits. There is no indication in the Diocesan records of any internal investigation or law enforcement referrals of Gillooly’s alleged misconduct during his lifetime.” (Appendix A)
Readers seeking additional information regarding the allegations against Father Gillooly and the Diocese’s response should review Appendix A of the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Child Sexual Abuse in the Diocese of Providence.
Andreozzi and Foote Stands with Survivors of Father William Gillooly
Although Father William Gillooly died several decades ago, survivors may still have legal options against the Diocese of Providence.
Rhode Island’s child sexual abuse revival window allows survivors to pursue civil claims that may have previously been barred by the statute of limitations.
Survivors may have civil legal options against any institutions that supervised Father Gillooly.
At Andreozzi + Foote, we represent survivors of clergy sexual abuse across the nation. Our team takes a trauma-informed approach to every case, ensuring survivors are heard, supported, and empowered throughout the legal process.
If you were abused by Gillooly or another clergy member, we encourage you to contact us today to learn about your legal options.
Every consultation is free and completely confidential.
