Reverend Anthony William Verdelotti

Reverend Anthony W. Verdelotti, 76, Pastor of St. Mark Parish, Cranston, Rhode Island, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family early Saturday morning, March 14, 2026.  

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, son of the late Anthony and Rose (DeRaffaele) Verdelotti, he attended George J. West Junior High School and La Salle Academy, both in Providence.  

He is survived by his beloved sister, Mrs. Bernice Broccoli. He was the devoted  uncle of five nieces and nephews; Lauren DeWaele (John), Anthony Broccoli (Sarita), James Broccoli, David Broccoli (Tracy), and Carolyn Wren (Christopher); thirteen  great-nieces and great-nephews, and one great-great nephew. He is also survived by his close friend Matthew Gebhart whom he considered to be a member of his family. 

He was predeceased by his brothers Rev. James J. Verdelotti, Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary Parish, Cranston and Mr. Louis A. Verdelotti, his brother-in-law Dr. Anthony Broccoli, as well as his dear friend Rev. Daniel G. Keefe of the Archdiocese of Hartford. 

Prior to being called to the priesthood, Father Verdelotti studied at Roger Williams University, Bristol, Rhode Island and served for 10 years as an Internal Revenue Service Special Agent in the Fall River office. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at St. John’s Seminary, Brighton, Massachusetts. He was ordained a priest on November 22, 1986 at Holy Ghost Church, Providence, by  Bishop Louis Gelineau.  

Immediately following his ordination, Father Verdelotti served as Assistant  Pastor at the Parish of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in North  Providence, until 1990. He also served as Assistant Pastor at St. Catherine Parish, Warwick (1990 – 1993), St. Mary Parish, Cranston (1993 – 1995), and Our Lady of  Mercy Parish, East Greenwich (1995 – 2001). He was appointed Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Providence in 2001.  

In 2005, Father Verdelotti was appointed Pastor of St. Mark Parish in Cranston and remained there until his death.  

In addition to his parish duties, Father Verdelotti served from 1999 to 2013 as Director of the Diocesan Office of Catholic Cemeteries and on the Diocesan Council of Priests from 2006 – 2009 and 2014 – 2017. He completed sabbatical studies at the North American College, Rome, in 1998 and 2012.

Father Verdelotti’s family wishes to thank Rev. Francis O’Hara and all the faithful staff and parishioners of St. Mark Church for their constant love, support, and prayers. 

His family also wishes to thank the staff of Rhode Island Hospital and Fresenius Kidney Care Warwick for the excellent and compassionate care he received over the past many years. 

The Solemn Reception of Father Verdelotti’s body will take place on Thursday, March 19 at 2:00 PM at St. Mark Church, 9 Garden Court, Cranston. His body will lie in repose for public viewing & visitation from 2:15-5:30 PM and a Concelebrated Memorial Mass will be celebrated at 6:00 PM. 

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of Father’s soul on Friday, March 20 at 10:00 AM at Holy Ghost Church, 472 Atwells  Avenue, Providence. Burial at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston, will be private.  

In lieu of flowers, donations in Father Verdelotti’s memory can be made to St. Mark Church, 9 Garden Court, Cranston, RI 02920.

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