Obituary

Father Alfred P. Almonte, C.S.

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PROVIDENCE — Father Alfred P. Almonte, C.S., 83, a Scalabrinian missionary, died on Thursday, July 27, 2017.

He was born in Providence on June 14, 1934, the son of the late Alexander and Mary (Russo) Almonte. Father Al took religious vows in the Scalabrinian Congregation on September 9, 1954. He was ordained to the priesthood on March 18, 1961 in Staten Island, N.Y., and was assigned to the Scalabrinian Missions of North America.

He was assistant pastor at St. Anthony Parish, Somerville, Massachusetts (1961 - 1964); at O.L. of Pompeii Parish, New York, New, York (1964 - 1966); St. Catherine of Sienna Parish, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada (1967 - 1970); St. Bartholomew Parish, Providence (1971 - 1977). He was pastor of St. Tarcisius Parish, Framingham, Massachusetts (1977 - 1988); of St. Rocco Parish, Johnston (1988 - 2001); and of St. Bartholomew Parish, Providence (2001 - 2010). As pastor, he proved to be an able and trusted administrator, fulfilling faithfully his pastoral duties and responsibilities.

Father Alfred was a faithful man of prayer and self-discipline and a strong and unrelenting supporter of Catholic parochial schools.

From1970 to 1971, he served in Rome as Treasurer of Pontifical Seminary for Priests preparing to assist Italian migrants. In 1986, he was elected Delegate to the General Chapter of the Scalabrinian Congregation. In 1990, he was appointed for a three-year term to the Council of the Province of St. Charles Borromeo and from 2006 to 2009 he was a member of the Council of Priests for the Diocese of Providence.

Father Al was very close to his family and fond of his Scalabrinian identity. He loved his priestly ministry and visited faithfully the sick. Upon his retirement, he took up residence at Our Lady of Grace Parish in Johnston (2010 - 2015) and later at St. Sebastian Parish in Providence until sickness impeded his ability to serve.

He is survived by his brothers Robert and his wife Jean of Cranston, Edward and his wife Palma of Cranston, Richard and his wife Dianne of Cranston, and his sister Ann Marie Cardente and her husband Dennis of Cranston. He was the brother of the late Alexander Almonte Jr. Father Alfred also leaves many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

His Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tuesday, August 1 at 11 a.m. in St. Rocco Church, Johnston, with Msgr. Carlo F. Montecalvo serving as the principal celebrant and Father Robert E. Lacombe serving as homilist. Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans and Worcester Bishop Robert Joseph McManus attended the Mass, along with several diocesan and Scalabrinian priests. Burial followed at St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.

Contributions in Father Almonte’s memory may be made to: Hope Hospice & Palliative Care RI, 1085 North Main St., Providence, RI 02904 or a church of your choice.