Reverend Joseph Ralph DeCarolis, Class of 1959, died on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. We extend our deepest sympathy to his brother Rev. Vito DeCarolis and to all of his family and friends at this time of sorrow, offering them our prayers and our support.

• A small, private burial service will be held at the convenience of the family.
• While most priests, deacons, former parishioners, etc. are unable to attend the burial service for Fr. DeCarolis due to the current restrictions, a Mass celebrated for the repose of his soul will be held at a later date to be announced.

May he rest in peace.

Born in Bristol, Connecticut, Reverend Joseph Ralph DeCarolis received his college education at St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. He was then sent to study philosophy and theology under the care of the Sulpicians at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. He was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend John F. Hackett at St. Lawrence O’Toole Church in Hartford on May 7, 1959. Fr. DeCarolis’ first assignment was at St. Therese Church in Stony Creek (Branford). He would later serve as an assistant at St. Paul Church in Kensington, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Meriden, and Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Harwinton. Named a co-pastor at St. Mary Church in Derby in 1972, he would later minister to the people of St. Pius X Church in Wolcott, St. Anthony of Padua Church in Litchfield, and St. Anthony Church in Prospect, until his retirement in 2007.