Fr. Joseph F. Byrne

Ordained: 1969
Status: Settled

Died: 06/18/2014
Diocese: Archdiocese of Boston MA

Received probation in 2005 for theft of parish funds. Lived at St. Patrick’s in Falmouth MA (Fall River diocese), helping as a fill-in priest in retirement. Removed in 5/2012 due to an allegation that he sexually abused a child in the early 1970s. Reinstated 5/22/2013 after the Review Board deemed the allegation unsubstantiated. No charges by the District Attorney’s office due to the statute of limitations. Removed in 2/2014 after a second allegation of child sexual abuse, occurring in the early 1970s. Died 6/18/2014. Included on Attorney Garabedian’s list 3/28/2016 of accused clerics named in civil claims resulting in settlements or arbitration awards. Included on the Fall River Diocese’s list in 1/2021.


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