Fr. Richard T. Lower

Ordained: 1971
Status: Accused

Died: 12/28/2002
Diocese: Diocese of Manchester NH

Accused of inappropriate sexual conduct with a young man in 1989. He denied that accusation, underwent a psychological evaluation, and was cleared to return to work. Another man came forward in 12/02 to allege abuse by Lower as a minor in 1973 at St. Rose of Lima Parish. When advised of new allegations and decision to place him on leave, Lower disappeared and was found dead along a hiking trail two days later. Likely suicide.


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