Reverend Richard L. Chretien

FALL RIVER — Reverend Richard L. Chretien, a retired priest of the Diocese of Fall River, passed away Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at Catholic Memorial Home in Fall River. He was 80 years old.

Born in Fall River, he was a son of the late Charles E. and Lena R. (Longchamps) Chretien. Fr. Chretien was a graduate of Msgr. Prevost High School, class of 1959. He went on to pursue his education at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick, RI, and St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore, MD. He was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1967.

Following his ordination, Fr. Chretien went on to be Parochial Vicar of St. George Church in Westport from 1967-1969, Sacred Heart Church in North Attleboro from 1969-1979, St. Joseph’s Church in New Bedford from 1979-1983, and St. Theresa’s Church in New Bedford from 1983 – 1990. He served as Pastor of our Lady of Grace Church in Westport from 1990-2000 and Notre Dame de Lourdes Church and Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception from 2000 until his retirement in 2012.

He was also the Chaplain of the Msgr. Prevost Council of the Knights of Columbus in Fall River.

Survivors include his brother Lucien A. Chretien and his wife Janet of Acushnet; his sister-in-law Cheryl Chretien of Middleboro; his nephews: Patrick Chretien of Middleboro and David Chretien of Taunton; his nieces: Margaret Coe of Middleboro and Dr. Yvette Rose Chretien, DVM of Chelmsford and several great nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Marcel R. Chretien.

Visitation to which relatives and friends are invited will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2022, from 4 – 7 PM at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption, 327 Second Street Fall River, MA 02721. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Wednesday, June 22, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Mary of the Assumption followed by interment in Notre Dame Cemetery, Fall River. Arrangements are entrusted to South Coast Funeral Home, 1555 Pleasant Street Fall River, MA 02723.

May the Lord grant Father Chretien the fullness of life promised to His faithful ones.

The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Most Reverend Edgar M. da Cunha, S.D.V., D.D.
The Bishop of Fall River