Father William P. Gillooly

William P. Gillooly Catholic Priest Diocese of Providence

Ordained: 1944

Status: Accused

Deceased: 1989

Assignment History

1945-1947: St. James Church (West Warwick, RI)
1947-1950: St. Francis of Assisi Church (Wakefield, RI)
1950-1958: St. Peter Church (Warwick, RI)
1950-1953: Regional CYO Director (Warwick, RI)
1958-1961: St. Charles Borromeo Church (Woonsocket, RI)
1961-1965: St. Patrick Church (Harrisville, RI)
1965-1967: St. Francis of Assisi Church (Wakefield, RI)
1967-1968: St. Teresa of Avila Church (Providence, RI)
1968-1972: St. Agnes Church (Providence, RI)
1972: St. Patrick Church (Harrisville, RI)
1972-1973: St. Clare Home (Newport, RI)
1973-1981: St. Rita Church (Warwick, RI)

Summary of Sexual Abuse Allegations Against Father William P. Gillooly

Father William P. Gillooly was ordained a priest in 1944 and served in the Diocese of Providence in Rhode Island for several decades. According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s list of credibly accused clergy, Gillooly has been identified as credibly accused of child sexual misconduct. He served at several Rhode Island parishes and institutions, including St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wakefield, St. Agnes Church in Providence, St. Clare Home in Newport, and St. Rita Church in Warwick.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Gillooly was publicly named by the Diocese of Providence in 2019 as a priest credibly accused of sexual abuse of a minor. The Diocese noted that the allegations against him were received after his death. Gillooly died on September 2, 1989.

Allegations Against Father William P. Gillooly

According to the Rhode Island Attorney General’s 2026 report, Gillooly was the subject of three allegations involving the sexual assault of boys between the ages of 8 and 15.

The alleged abuse reportedly occurred while Gillooly was assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Wakefield and St. Rita Church in Warwick between approximately 1965 and 1978. According to BishopAccountability.org, Gillooly’s alleged victims did not come forward until 2004, 2011, and 2013.

According to BishopAccountability.org, Gillooly may have been forced to retire by Bishop Louis Gelineau in 1981 due to a “list of accusations.”

Gillooly 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 and in the Attorney General’s 2026 report on child sexual abuse in the Diocese of Providence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Father William P. Gillooly

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 William P. Gillooly listed as credibly accused by the Diocese of Providence?

Yes. Father William P. Gillooly 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 and in 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 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 William P. Gillooly – Diocese of Providence