PAWTUCKET — Reverend Louis T. Natalizia, 76, Pastor Emeritus of St. Mary Parish, Pawtucket, died March 16, 2025.
Born in Providence, son of the late Emanuel and Ann (Agnoli) Natalizia, he attended Gladstone Street School and Hugh B. Bain School, both in Cranston, and LaSalle Academy, Providence. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Providence College and the Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C. He was ordained a priest on May 31, 1980, at St. Mary Parish, Cranston, by Bishop Louis E. Gelineau.
After priestly ordination, Father Natalizia was appointed assistant pastor at St. Ann Parish in Providence, serving there until 1981. He subsequently served as assistant pastor in the following parishes: St. Thomas, Providence (1981 – 86); Notre Dame, Central Falls (1986 – 87); St. Teresa of the Child Jesus, Pawtucket (1987 – 91); and St. Leo the Great, Pawtucket (1991 – 93).
In 1993, Father Natalizia was appointed pastor of Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, North Providence, and served in that role until 2013, when he was transferred to St. Mary Parish, Pawtucket. In 2014, Father retired from St. Mary Parish, Pawtucket, as pastor emeritus.
In addition to his other duties, Father Natalizia served as chaplain for St. Raphael Academy, Pawtucket (1986 -88), and briefly as administrator of St. Edward Parish, Pawtucket. He worked at Rhode Island hospital in the cancer research lab and taught mathematics at La Salle Academy. Father Natalizia went on to receive a degree from Catholic University School of Theological and Religious Studies. He was an avid learner and was fluent in five languages. He gave his life to serving God, his parishioners, and had a positive impact on so many others throughout his life. He will be sadly missed.
A concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of Father’s soul was offered on Thursday, March 20 at St. Mary Church, Cranston, with burial in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston. Memorial donations may be made to Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904.
