Reverend Ronald J. Bengford, 66, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Matthew Parish, Cranston, died Wednesday, October 14, 2026.
Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, son of the late John A. and Cecelia A. (Basso) Bengford, he attended North Kingstown public schools and Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1994 at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence, by the Most Reverend Louis E. Gelineau.
Father Bengford served as assistant pastor at St. Paul Parish, Cranston (1994-1997); St. Augustine Parish, Providence (1997) and Immaculate Conception Parish, Westerly (1998-2003).
In 2004, Father Bengford was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Woonsocket, and remained there until 2013. In July 2013, he was appointed Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Cranston and retired from there in 2025 as Pastor Emeritus. He also served as Administrator pro tem at Sacred Heart Parish, Woonsocket (2003 – 04).
Among Fr. Ron’s close friends were two of his classmates from seminary, Msgr. Mark Merdian and Fr. Steve Willard, and he treasured their wisdom and support throughout his ministry.
Fr. Ron loved his family and friends and connecting with them frequently.
Father Bengford is survived by his two sisters, Paula J. Laurenzo and Renee J. Street (Matthew Kinnaman) his nephew Jeffrey Street (Melissa), niece Annemarie Laurenzo, nephew Justin Street and 5 great nephews. He was the brother of the late Marcella Bengford.
A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial took place October 28 with burial in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich.
