CRANSTON — Reverend Ronald E. Brassard, 74, pastor emeritus of Immaculate Conception Parish in Cranston, entered into eternal life on Friday, August 6, 2021, at Tockwotten on the Waterfront in East Providence, surrounded by his parishioners and many friends. An accomplished musician, and nationally known liturgist, composer and director, Father Brassard was born in Attleboro, Massachusetts, on February 12, 1947. He was the son of the late Ernest J. Brassard and Cecilia (Gousie) Brassard and the brother of the late Shirley Brassard Glod. He attended the Holy Trinity School in Central Falls, St. Raphael Academy in Pawtucket, Our Lady of Providence Seminary College in Providence and the Catholic University of America, where he received his Masters of Divinity degree. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Louis E. Gelineau on April 21, 1974 at St. John the Baptist Church in Pawtucket. He served in numerous diocesan duties and parochial assignments throughout the Diocese and was named pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston in 1994. He retired in 2017 as pastor of St. Mark’s Church in Jamestown and was named pastor emeritus of Immaculate Conception Parish that same year.
Bishop Thomas J. Tobin was the principal celebrant at a concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial at Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston on Aug. 13, with Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans and many priests in attendance. Burial followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery in East Providence.
Donations in Father Brassard’s memory can be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Regional School, 237 Garden Hills Drive, Cranston, RI.
