Key Takeaways
- Former Diocese of Providence priest Joseph Abruzzese was suspended from ministry in 1993.
- In 1994, he pleaded no contest to second-degree sexual assault involving a 16-year-old boy.
- Abruzzese was identified in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on clergy sexual abuse.
Fr. Joseph Abruzzese is among the clergy identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 Report on Credibly Accused Clergy in the Diocese of Providence.
Who Was Joseph Abruzzese?
Born on May 14, 1959, Joseph Abruzzese was ordained as a priest in 1990. He served at several Rhode Island parishes before being suspended from ministry in November 1993 after a 16-year-old boy reported that Abruzzese had exposed himself and grabbed and fondled him in a local park.
“Bishop Louis Gelineau suspended Father Abruzzese’s priestly faculties after he was charged and ordered him to vacate his residence at St. Anthony Rectory in North Providence, on November 9, 1993. The Diocese paid for Abruzzese’s legal representation in the criminal case.” (Appendix A)
In 1994, Abruzzese pleaded no contest to second-degree sexual assault and was sentenced to five years of probation and counseling.
According to Bishop Accountability, “Despite his plea, Abruzzese maintained that he was innocent.”
Joseph Abruzzese’s Assignments
Fr. Joseph Abruzzese served in the following assignments:
- Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, North Providence (1990–1991)
- St. Francis de Sales Church, North Kingstown (1991–1992)
- St. Anthony Church, North Providence (1992–1993)
Following his conviction, Abruzzese remained connected to the Catholic Church. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, he continued to live at church properties after his suspension, and a victims’ advocacy group later wrote a letter mentioning his participation in liturgical celebrations and Mass.
According to the Rhode Island AG’s Report, “Father Abruzzese remains suspended from ministry as of the date of this Report. He was never laicized or dismissed from the clerical state. He is included on the Diocese’s List of Credibly Accused Clergy.” A full history of Abruzzese can be found in Appendix A.
Abruzzese appears to be alive today.
Were You Harmed by Joseph Abbruzzese?
At Andreozzi + Foote, we focus exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse in civil cases against institutions like the Catholic Church.
If you or a loved one were harmed by Fr. Joseph Abruzzese or another clergy member, our trauma-informed attorneys are here to help you pursue your civil legal options and fight for justice.
Contact us today.
