CUMBERLAND — Father Paul J. Laporte, 85, passed away at Mount St. Rita Health Centre in Cumberland after a brief illness, on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Born in Central Falls, he was a son of the late Wilfred and Gabrielle (DeGrandpre) LaPorte.
In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick and the American College, University of Louvain, Belgium. Father Laporte was ordained on June 26, 1965.
Father Laporte served at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in 1965. He was assigned to Our Lady of Lourdes, Providence, 1965-1967; St. Joseph Church, North Scituate, 1967-1972; St. Paul the Apostle, Foster, which he founded in 1972, until 1985; and returning after retiring from 2022- 2024; St. Lawrence Church, North Providence, 1985 - 1991; St. Joseph Church, Pascoag, 1991-1996; St. Vincent de Paul Church, Coventry, 1996-2009; when he retired from full pastoral duties in 2009; St. Mary Church, Pawtucket, 2009-2022. He taught at LaSalle Academy from 1965-1971.
Father Laporte learned to love God and the People of God in the charismatic movement, engaged encounter, bible sharing and CCD.
Father Laporte was the brother of the late Richard LaPorte and the late Claire Riendeau. He is survived by nine nephews and nieces.
A Visitation was held at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6 St. Vincent de Paul St., Coventry on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 4 p.m. - 6 p.m., followed by a Concelebrated Mass at 6 p.m.
Following a Visitation on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at St. Paul the Apostle Church, 116 Danielson Pike #A, Foster, a Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial was offered. Interment was at Notre Dame Cemetery in Pawtucket.
