Rest in Peace Father Kevin J. Brassil

Reverend Kevin J. Brassil, 86, Pastor Emeritus of St. Barnabas Parish, Portsmouth, died Tuesday, June 5, 2018.

Born in Providence to the late Patrick and Mary (Crowley) Brassil, he attended the Cleary School and LaSalle Academy, both in Providence.

In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Warwick, and St. Mary Seminary, Baltimore.  He was ordained a priest on May 31, 1958 at the Cathedral of SS. Peter and Paul in Providence by Bishop Russell J. McVinney.

Teaching at St. Thomas Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky from 1958-1961, Father Brassil returned to the Diocese of Providence to serve as assistant pastor at St. Bernard Parish, Wickford (1962-64); St. Augustine, Providence (1964-69); St. Joseph, Pascoag (1969-1970); and St. Anthony, Providence (1970-1971).  In 1971 he became a member of the team ministry at St. Michael Parish, Providence, where he served for the next eight years.  In addition to his parochial duties during these years, Father Brassil served as Dean of Providence Deanery I (1974).

In 1980, Father Brassil completed advanced studies in the Religious Leader’s Program at the Center for Pastoral and Social Ministry of the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, and after a short term as assistant pastor at St. James Parish in West Warwick was appointed pastor of St. Edward Parish, Pawtucket in 1981.  In 1993, Father was named pastor of St. Barnabas Parish, Portsmouth, where he served until 2004, retiring as Pastor Emeritus.

During retirement, Father Brassil resided in his family home in Providence, and continued to assist in parishes.  He celebrated his 60th anniversary of priesthood ordination on May 31. 

Calling Hours will be held on Sunday, June 10, 2018 from 2-5pm in the Monahan Drabble Sherman Funeral Home, 230 Waterman St., Providence.  Visitation also will be held on Monday, June 11, 2018 from 10-11am at St. Barnabas Church, East Main Road, Portsmouth.  

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of Father Brassil’s soul will follow at 11am at St. Barnabas Church. 

Burial will be in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.