RHODE ISLAND
Providence Journal
By Karen Lee Ziner
Journal Staff Writer
WEST WARWICK — Barry M. Meehan, a former Roman Catholic priest who was facing trial for sexual assault, died suddenly on December 8, according to an obituary printed Tuesday in the Providence Journal.
The Vatican laicized Meehan last year as his case moved forward in Superior Court. A pre-trial conference was set for Jan. 4, according to court records.
Meehan, 67, had lived in West Warwick. The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence had no comment, according to spokesperson Carolyn E. Cronin.
Meehan resigned as pastor of St. Timothy’s Parish in Warwick in 2014, when the Diocese announced a finding of “credible allegation of sexual misconduct” with minors that dated back at least 25 years. He denied “any improper activity,” according to a statement from Roman Catholic Bishop Thomas J. Tobin at the time.
Meehan was placed on administrative leave, removed from his priestly duties, and his behavior reported to the Vatican.
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