Father Robert A. Marcantonio

Robert A. Marcantonio Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1967

Status: Settled

Deceased: 1999

Assignment History

1967: Sacred Heart Church (West Warwick, RI)
1967-1968: St. Mary Church (Cranston, RI)
1968-1969: Sacred Heart Church (West Warwick, RI)
1969-1970: St. Mary Church (Cranston, RI)
1969-1970: Our Lady of Providence Preparatory Seminary (Providence, RI)
1970-1975: St. Thomas Aquinas Church / St. Cecilia Church and Iowa State University (Ames, IA)
1975-1979: Stonehill College (North Easton, MA)
1975-1989: St. John Vianney Church (Cumberland, RI), weekend assistant
1977-1981: University of Rhode Island
1979-1989: Rhode Island College (Providence, RI)
1980: U.S. Navy Reserve
1989: Bryant College (Smithfield, RI)
1989-1992: Suspended on leave (Providence, RI)
1992-1999: Suspended on leave (Arizona)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father Robert A. Marcantonio

Father Robert A. Marcantonio was ordained a priest in 1967 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island before later working in Iowa, Massachusetts, and Arizona. He is one of several Catholic clergy members connected to Rhode Island clergy sexual abuse lawsuits involving the Diocese of Providence.

According to the Diocese of Providence list of credibly accused clergy, Marcantonio has been identified as credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. According to BishopAccountability.org, Marcantonio was accused of sexually abusing at least 17 boys, with known victims as young as age 8. Marcantonio died on October 20, 1999.

Allegations Against Father Robert A. Marcantonio

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Bishop Bernard Kelly Reilly knew in 1970 that Marcantonio had allegedly molested boys between the ages of 12 and 14. A Rhode Island psychiatrist who evaluated Marcantonio that year reportedly stated that Marcantonio had sexual relationships with as many as 10 to 15 boys.

Rather than being permanently removed from ministry, Marcantonio was sent to Ames, Iowa, for treatment and was later allowed to work in parish and school ministry in the Archdiocese of Dubuque. While in Iowa, he earned a PhD in psychology and reportedly served on the Board of Directors of the Boys Club of Ames. According to BishopAccountability.org, he continued to abuse.

Additional Allegations and Removal from Ministry

In 1975, Marcantonio returned to Rhode Island and Massachusetts, where he worked in counseling at colleges, including Stonehill College, and continued parish ministry.

Marcantonio was removed from ministry on August 16, 1989, after a report that he sexually abused an altar boy in Ames, Iowa, between 1973 and 1975, beginning when the boy was 13. According to BishopAccountability.org, the alleged abuse included rape.

Civil Lawsuits and Settlements Involving Father Robert A. Marcantonio

Several civil lawsuits were filed alleging sexual abuse by Marcantonio, including in Rhode Island and Iowa. According to BishopAccountability.org, some claims involving Marcantonio were included in the Diocese of Providence’s September 2002 settlement with clergy abuse survivors. Another claim was later settled in 2008 as part of a $1.326 million settlement by the Diocese of Providence.

Marcantonio was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father Robert A. Marcantonio

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 Robert A. Marcantonio listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father Robert A. Marcantonio was included on the Diocese of Providence list of clergy who have been credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor in 2019. He was also included in Appendix A of 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 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 Robert A. Marcantonio – Diocese of Providence