Reverend Anthony William Verdelotti

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

Born in Providence, Rhode Island, to the late Anthony and Rose (DeRaffaele) Verdelotti, he attended George J. West Junior High School and La Salle Academy. Before entering the priesthood, he studied at Roger Williams University and served for ten years as a Special Agent with the Internal Revenue Service in Fall River. He later attended St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, Massachusetts, and was ordained a priest on November 22, 1986, at Holy Ghost Church in Providence by Bishop Louis Gelineau.

Father Verdelotti served as Assistant Pastor at the Parish of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary in North Providence, St. Catherine Parish in Warwick, St. Mary Parish in Cranston, and Our Lady of Mercy Parish in East Greenwich. In 2001 he was appointed Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish in Providence, and in 2005 he became Pastor of St. Mark Parish in Cranston, where he remained until his death. In addition to his parish ministry, he served as Director of the Diocesan Office of Catholic Cemeteries from 1999 to 2013 and on the Diocesan Council of Priests. He also completed sabbatical studies at the North American College in Rome in 1998 and 2012.

He is survived by his beloved sister, Bernice Broccoli; 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; one great-great nephew; and his close friend Matthew Gebhart, whom he considered a member of his family. He was predeceased by his brothers, Rev. James J. Verdelotti and Louis A. Verdelotti, his brother-in-law Dr. Anthony Broccoli, and his dear friend Rev. Daniel G. Keefe.