Father Joseph Abbruzzese – Diocese of Providence

Fr. Joseph Abbruzzese (Abruzzese)

Ordained: 1990

Status: Suspended in 1993; convicted in 1994

Deceased: No

Assignment History

1990-1991: Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church (North Providence, RI)
1991-1992: St. Francis de Sales Church (North Kingstown, RI)
1992-1993: St. Anthony Church (North Providence, RI)
1993: Suspended on leave

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Joseph Abbruzzese

Father Joseph Abbruzzese, also spelled Abruzzese in some public records, was ordained a priest in 1990 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Abbruzzese has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He was assigned to several Rhode Island parishes, including Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in North Providence, St. Francis de Sales Church in North Kingstown, and St. Anthony Church in North Providence.

According to BishopAccountability.org, in October 1993, a 16-year-old boy reported to police that Abbruzzese grabbed and fondled him in a local park. At the time, Abruzzese was assigned to St. Anthony Church in North Providence, Rhode Island.

Abruzzese was criminally charged and placed on leave in December 1993. He pleaded no contest in 1994 to second-degree sexual assault and was sentenced to five years of probation and counseling. Despite his plea, Abbruzzese reportedly maintained his innocence.

Abruzzese was later allowed to reside at St. Joseph’s until June 1997. By November 1997, he was reportedly living at St. Ann’s in Providence. In January 1999, a victims’ advocacy group complained to Bishop Mulvee that Abbruzzese was participating in Masses at the Cathedral and St. Ann’s.

In 2006, the Diocese of Providence held an administrative penal process as instructed by the Vatican. The process ended in 2008. Bishop Tobin and the canonical assessors reportedly found that there was insufficient evidence of Abruzzese’s guilt. However, Bishop Tobin did not return Abruzzese to ministry.

In 2019, Abruzzese was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor, where his name was reportedly misspelled as “Abbruzzese.” He was also included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Joseph Abruzzese

Can I sue for sexual abuse by a priest in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, allows survivors of child sexual abuse to file claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. You can bring a claim during this two-year window regardless of how long ago the abuse occurred. Because there is a deadline to file your claim, survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

How long do I have to sue for sexual abuse in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year window for certain older child sexual abuse claims beginning July 1, 2026. Claims must be filed by June 30, 2028. Survivors should not wait, because it may be necessary to gather relevant documents, investigate the claim, and determine the appropriate parties to sue.

Can the Diocese of Providence be sued for my sexual abuse by a priest?

Possibly. Survivors may have claims against the Diocese of Providence or another Catholic institution, including parishes and schools, if there is evidence that the institution knew or should have known about the risk of abuse and failed to protect children. Horowitz Law attorneys can review the facts of your case and explain your legal options.

Was Father Joseph Abbruzzese listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Joseph Abbruzzese was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Rhode Island Clergy Sexual Abuse Lawsuits

Rhode Island’s new law creates a two-year revival window, beginning July 1, 2026, for certain older child sexual abuse claims. Horowitz Law is bringing these lawsuits in Rhode Island and has collected evidence of the Diocese of Providence’s negligence. The revival window allows survivors of clergy sexual abuse to pursue claims that were previously blocked by the statute of limitations. Filing deadlines will apply, so survivors should speak with an attorney as soon as possible.

Horowitz Law Is Here to Help

Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse by Catholic priests and other clergy in the Diocese of Providence. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by Catholic clergy in the Diocese of Providence may have legal options due to Rhode Island’s new two-year revival window for certain child sexual abuse claims, but filing deadlines will apply, so do not delay in reaching out to us.