Father Daniel Azzarone – Diocese of Providence

Father Daniel Azzarone, Jr.

Ordained: 1978

Status: Convicted; laicized in 2009

Deceased: No

Assignment History

1978-1980: Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church (Providence, RI)
1980-1981: St. Clement Church (Warwick, RI)
1981-1983: St. Paul Church (Cranston, RI)
1983-1990: St. Ann Church (Providence, RI)
1990-2001: St. Mary Church (Cranston, RI)
2001-2007: Absent on leave

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Daniel Azzarone

Father Daniel M. Azzarone, Jr. was ordained a priest in 1978 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Azzarone has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He served at several Rhode Island parishes, including Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Providence, St. Clement Church in Warwick, St. Paul Church in Cranston, St. Ann Church in Providence, and St. Mary Church in Cranston.

According to BishopAccountability.org, complaints involving allegations of child sexual abuse were received as early as 1985, 1992, and 1998-1999. Despite those reports, Azzarone remained in active ministry until his arrest in 2001.

In November 2001, Azzarone was arrested after he was accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old boy during a Caribbean cruise in November 2000. The abuse reportedly continued until 2001 and often occurred in a parish rectory. Another youth later also accused Azzarone of abuse. He was placed on leave after his arrest.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Azzarone was accused of sexually abusing at least six boys and was convicted of raping two. The report states that allegations against Azzarone spanned his priesthood, with the first reported incident occurring during his first diocesan assignment in 1978 and later reports occurring near the time of his arrest and removal from ministry in 2001.

The Rhode Island Attorney General’s report also states that Azzarone allegedly abused children throughout his priesthood and that the abuse often involved providing children with alcohol and, in some cases, marijuana and cocaine. His alleged victims ranged in age from 9 to 16.

In September 2005, Azzarone pleaded no contest to two counts of first-degree sexual assault. He was sentenced to prison and probation and was ordered to register as a Level III sex offender.

Azzarone was also named in a 2005 civil lawsuit that settled in August 2008 as part of a $1.326 million settlement by the Diocese of Providence. He was laicized by the Vatican in 2009.

In 2019, Azzarone 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Daniel Azzarone

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 Daniel Azzarone listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Daniel Azzarone 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.