Rest in Peace Rev. Richard M. Friedrichs

Rev. Richard M. Friedrichs, 80, of the Diocese of Providence, died on March 17, 2025, after a period of declining health. The son of the late Gustave and Virginia (Martell) Friedrichs, he spent his early childhood in Sheldonville, MA before moving to Woonsocket, RI. He attended Mount St. Charles Academy and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 1962.  

In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Our Lady of Providence Seminary in Warwick, and the American College, University of Louvain, Belgium. He was ordained a priest on June 27, 1970, in Louvain, Belgium.

Upon returning to the States, Father Rick was first assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Wakefield for a number of years, followed by other appointments in succeeding years to St. Michael’s Parish in Providence, Prison Ministry in Cranston, and Spiritual Director at the Our Lady of Peace Retreat Center in Narragansett. In addition to these assignments, he was part of the Diocesan Priests Council and went on to receive his Doctorate in Ministry at the Center for Religious Development in Cambridge, MA. In 1991, he was once again posted to Louvain for five years as Spiritual Director for Seminarians.

Upon his return, he was appointed pastor of St. Catherine's Church in Apponaug, a parish that brought him much happiness and fulfillment due to the kindness and generosity of his many parishioners. Just shy of his 50th anniversary in the priesthood, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which led to an earlier retirement from active duty, but for him, an even greater effort to make life more meaningful for others. He retired to his small cabin at Spring Lake in Burrillville and continued to provide spiritual direction and comfort to the many who requested it.

In addition to his parents, Father Rick was predeceased by his sister, Barbara Allard, and his brother, Chuck Friedrichs. He is survived by his brother Gustave and sister-in-law Pauline of Sarasota, FL and his sister, Virginia Yanyar, of Bristol, as well as several much-loved nieces, nephews and cousins who will carry the memory of his kindness and strength always within them.

Calling hours will be held in St. Gregory the Great Church, 41 Sandro Dr, Warwick on Sunday, March 23, from 4 PM to 7 PM. A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered in St. Gregory the Great Church, Warwick, on Monday, March 24 at 10 AM. Burial will be in St Charles Parish Cemetery, Blackstone, MA.