Father Michael W. Dziob
Also Known As: Monsignor Michael W. Dziob
Ordained: 1942
Status: Accused
Deceased: 2012
Assignment History
- June-October 1942: St. Joseph Church (Central Falls, RI)
- 1942-1944: Catholic University (Washington, D.C.)
- 1944-1945: St. Joseph Church (Central Falls, RI)
- 1945-1946: Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul (Providence, RI)
- 1946-1947: St. Joseph Church (Central Falls, RI)
- 1947-1948: St. Hedwig Church (Providence, RI)
- 1948-1973: Franciscan Missionaries of Mary (North Providence, RI)
- 1973-1993: St. Leo the Great Church (Pawtucket, RI)
- June 1993: Retired; Pastor Emeritus of St. Leo the Great Church (Pawtucket, RI)
Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Michael W. Dziob
Father Michael W. Dziob, also known as Monsignor Michael W. Dziob, was ordained a priest in 1942 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for more than five decades. He spent approximately 20 years assigned to St. Leo the Great Church in Pawtucket before retiring in 1993.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Dziob has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct.
According to BishopAccountability.org, Dziob was publicly named as accused in the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report. BishopAccountability.org also notes that he died on November 27, 2012.
Allegations Against Father Michael W. Dziob
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, the Diocese received a report in June 2020 that Dziob sexually abused a boy at St. Leo the Great School in Pawtucket during the early 1990s.
The complainant alleged that he was approximately nine years old when the abuse began. He reportedly had a disability, used crutches as a child, and had recently lost his mother. According to the report, he was often sent to Dziob’s office in the parish rectory for discipline.
The complainant alleged that the abuse began during one of these visits to Dziob’s office, progressively worsened, and occurred more than 100 times between his fourth-grade year and the end of his fifth-grade year, when Dziob retired in 1993.
According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s report, the complainant stated that he did not disclose the abuse to his father because Dziob allegedly warned him not to. The complainant also reportedly believed that Dziob targeted him because of his disability and grief after his mother’s death.
Dziob 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 Michael W. Dziob
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 Michael W. Dziob listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?
Based on the available source information, no. Father Michael W. Dziob 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.
Contact us at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.