Father Biagio Samuel Turillo

Biagio Samuel Turillo Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1946

Status: Accused / Suspended from Ministry

Deceased: 2023

Assignment History

1946: St. Benedict Church (Warwick, RI)
1946-1948: St. Patrick Church (Providence, RI)
1948-1953: Sacred Heart Church (West Warwick, RI)
1953-1954: St. Mary Church (Cranston, RI)
1954-1962: Holy Angels Church (Barrington, RI)
1962: St. Joseph Hospital (Providence, RI)
1962-1965: St. Anthony Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1965-1971: St. Ann Church (Providence, RI)
1971-1979: St. Joseph Church (Hope Valley, RI)
1979-1994: Sacred Heart Church (West Warwick, RI)
1994: Retired as Senior Priest
2016: Suspended on leave

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Biagio Samuel Turillo

Father Biagio Samuel Turillo was ordained a priest in 1946 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for nearly five decades. He served at multiple Rhode Island parishes, including Holy Angels Church in Barrington, St. Anthony Church in Woonsocket, St. Ann Church in Providence, St. Joseph Church in Hope Valley, and Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick.

According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Turillo has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. He was also included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Turillo was prohibited from exercising priestly ministry in 2016 after the Diocese determined that an allegation of sexual misconduct involving a minor was credible. Turillo died on July 17, 2023.

Allegations Against Father Biagio Samuel Turillo

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, the Diocese received a complaint in 1952 from a boy who alleged that Turillo inappropriately touched and kissed him during a CYO basketball game at West Warwick Junior High School.

Additional complaints reportedly surfaced in 1953 involving young boys at Sacred Heart Church in West Warwick. According to the report, Turillo was sent to the Monastery of Saint Gabriel in Brighton, Massachusetts, for two weeks of “spiritual exercises” before being returned to ministry.

In 2016, a man reported to the Diocese that Turillo sexually abused him when he was 11 years old between 1956 and 1958 while Turillo was assigned to Holy Angels Church in Barrington. The man alleged that Turillo pulled down his pants and fondled him at Maple Avenue School.

Diocese of Providence Response to Father Biagio Samuel Turillo Allegations

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, diocesan records do not explain why Turillo was sent for treatment in 1960 or the reasons for later concerns about his conduct.

After complaints in the early 1960s, Turillo was reportedly “severely admonished” and reassigned rather than removed from ministry. He later served at St. Joseph Hospital, St. Anthony Church in Woonsocket, and other Rhode Island assignments.

In 2016, after receiving a new allegation, the Diocese announced that Turillo was prohibited from exercising sacred ministry after determining the allegation was credible. The Diocese reported the allegation to law enforcement and removed his faculties.

Turillo was 96 years old at the time of his suspension and had already retired from active ministry.

Father Biagio Samuel Turillo and Institutional Failures

Turillo’s case reflects concerns raised in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report about clergy who were sent for treatment, reassigned, or allowed to remain in ministry after allegations or warning signs.

According to the Attorney General’s report, Turillo’s files included complaints dating back decades, but the Diocese’s records did not explain the reasons for several interventions, including his 1960 treatment stay.

Turillo 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 on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the Attorney General’s 2026 report.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Biagio Samuel Turillo

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, schools, treatment programs, or youth-serving institutions, 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 Biagio Samuel Turillo listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Biagio Samuel Turillo 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 on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy in Appendix A of the 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 connected to the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island. If you need a lawyer because you were sexually abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island, contact our office today. Although many years have passed, those abused by a priest or clergy member in Rhode Island 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.

Father Biagio Samuel Turillo – Diocese of Providence