Father John Joseph Keough Feeney

John Joseph Keough Feeney Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1928

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1974

Assignment History

1928-1929: St. Brendan Church (Riverside, RI)
1929-1937: St. Bernard Church (North Kingstown, RI)
1937-1941: St. Matthew Church (Cranston, RI)
1941-1943: Sacred Heart Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1941-1943: Mount St. Francis Orphanage (Woonsocket, RI)
1943: St. Patrick Church (Cumberland, RI)
1943-1951: St. Augustin Church (Newport, RI)
1951-1971: St. Joseph Church (North Scituate, RI)
1971: Retired

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father John Joseph Keough Feeney

Father John Joseph Keough Feeney was ordained a priest in 1928 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than four decades. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Feeney has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He served at several Rhode Island parishes and institutions, including St. Augustin Church in Newport, Mount St. Francis Orphanage in Woonsocket, and St. Joseph Church in North Scituate.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Feeney was publicly named as accused in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence. Feeney died on November 10, 1974.

Allegations Against Father John Joseph Keough Feeney

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, the Diocese of Providence received a complaint in 2004 alleging that Feeney sexually abused teenage boys in 1965.

The complainant alleged that the abuse occurred at a beach house in Narragansett owned by Father William O’Connell, a Diocese of Providence priest who was later convicted of child sexual abuse. According to BishopAccountability.org, the boys had reportedly been drinking and playing cards with the priests at the beach house.

The complainant alleged that he was approximately 15 years old when Feeney sexually assaulted him. He also reported that he witnessed Feeney sexually assault another boy at O’Connell’s beach house and believed Feeney may have abused another boy on a different occasion.

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, one of the boys allegedly present that night had separately reported abuse by Father William O’Connell to the Diocese in 2002. That individual did not make a direct accusation against Feeney, but reportedly stated that Feeney was often mentioned as someone who frequented O’Connell’s beach house.

The Attorney General’s report states that there was no indication the Diocese referred the allegations involving Feeney or O’Connell to law enforcement.

Feeney was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father John Joseph Keough Feeney

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 John Joseph Keough Feeney listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Based on the available source information, no. Father John Joseph Keough Feeney was included on the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence, but he does not appear to be included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor.

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 or clergy member 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.

Father John Joseph Keough Feeney – Diocese of Providence