OBITUARY

Reverend James J. Verdelotti

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CRANSTON — Reverend James J. Verdelotti, 75, Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary Parish, Cranston, died Thursday, Nov. 14, 2019.

Born in Providence, a son of the late Anthony and Rose (DeRaffaele), he attended Holy Ghost School and Hope High School, both located in Providence.

In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Providence College and at Pope John XXIII Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts. He was ordained a priest on October 28, 1978 at Holy Angels Parish, Barrington, by the Most Reverend Kenneth A. Angell.

Father Verdelotti served as assistant pastor at Holy Angels Parish, Barrington (1978-90); and at St. Peter Parish, Warwick (1990-92). In 1992, Father was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Bristol. In 2002, Father Verdelotti assumed the pastorate of St. Mary Parish, Cranston, serving there for over 10 years until his retirement as Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary Parish in 2012.

Father Verdelotti also served on the Council of Priests’ Election Commission (1984-88) and as Dean (Vicar Forane) of the Providence South Deanery VII (2006-12). In 1990, Father completed sabbatical studies at the North American College in Rome.

Upon his retirement, Father Verdelotti resided in Narragansett and Providence; he lived at St. John Vianney Residence, Providence, at the time of his death.

The Rite of Reception was held on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019 in St. Mary Church, Cranston, with Visitation following in the church.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of Father Verdelotti’s soul was offered on Wednesday, Nov., 20 at St. Mary Church, Cranston. Bishop Thomas J. Tobin was the principal celebrant, with Bishops Robert C. Evans, Robert J. McManus and Louis E. Gelineau concelebrating. Father Anthony Verdelotti, brother of Father James Verdelotti, preached the homily. Burial followed in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.