WESTERLY — Reverend Wilfrid G. Gregoire, 90, Pastor Emeritus of Immaculate Conception Parish, Westerly, died Tuesday, July 5, 2022.
Born in West Warwick, Rhode Island, son of the late Ernest L. and Yvonne (Breton) Gregoire, he attended Christ the King School and Saint John School, both in West Warwick, and La Salle Academy in Providence.
In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Seminaire de Philosophie in Montreal, Canada, and at the North American College in Rome. He was ordained a priest on December 16, 1956, in Rome by Bishop Martin J. O’Connor.
From 1957 – 58, Father Gregoire served as Chaplain in the Novitiate of Sacred Heart, Harrisville, and then as associate pastor in the following assignments: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Providence, while serving as professor at Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Warwick (1958 – 72); and Saint Philip Parish, Greenville (1972-73).
In 1973, Father was appointed pastor of Saint Agatha Parish in Woonsocket. In 1986, he was assigned as pastor of Saint Vincent de Paul Parish, Coventry, and then in 1991 as pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish, Westerly. Father’s tenure as pastor there lasted 20 years, and in 2011, he retired as Pastor Emeritus of Immaculate Conception Parish.
In 2013, he served as Administrator pro tem at Precious Blood and St. Agatha parishes, Woonsocket.
In addition to his parochial duties, Father Gregoire served as Dean of Region 14 (1974), of Region 4 (1983), and of Region 8 (1995), as well as a member of the Council of Priests (2003 – 05). In 1997, he completed sabbatical studies at the North American College in Rome.
Father recently celebrated the 65th anniversary of his priestly ordination.
Father Gregoire is survived by his dear sister Elaine M. Blanchard and her husband Robert of West Warwick; a niece, Amy Graham and her husband Mark; two nephews, Gregory Blanchard and his wife Melissa and Andrew Blanchard and his wife Jennifer; and eight grand nieces and nephews.
Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans celebrated a Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of
Father’s soul on Monday, July 11, 2022, at Christ the King Church, West Warwick. Burial followed in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Warwick. In lieu of flowers, contributions to St. Agatha Church, 34 Joffre Ave., Woonsocket, RI 02895 or Covenant House (www.covenanthouse.org) in Father’s memory would be appreciated.
