Fr. Gary B. Tollner
In 1982, Tollner’s sister accused him of molesting his special needs nephew, age 22, who had the mental age of 12. Parishioners spoke of “suspicious behavior” involving young boys, alcohol and drugs in the hot tub Tollner had installed on the rectory roof. Reportedly abused six children. One alleged victim is said to have become an addict by age 12 and died by suicide years later, citing abuse by Tollner in his suicide note. Removed from ministry in 1995. In 2/2004, Bishop Vigneron publicly apologized to the parish community of St. Philip Neri, Alameda. Tollner died 2/17/1999. Included on the Diocese’s list of credibly accused 2/17/19, which notes abuse occurring in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.
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