Gloucester - Reverend, Dr. Ronald John Michael Gariboldi, Ph.D., a devoted priest, esteemed theologian, educator, and beloved member of his community, was born on May 23, 1935, and entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 2, 2026.

He was the son of the late Irma Delores (Bianchi) Gariboldi, of Magnolia, MA and Montpelier, VT, and John Celeste Gariboldi, of Magnolia, Massachusetts and Bisciutto/Milan, Italy. Grounded in faith and family from an early age, he pursued a lifelong vocation to the priesthood and to the service of others.

Father Gariboldi was ordained to the priesthood on February 2, 1961, at the Cathedral of the Holy Cross by Richard Cardinal Cushing. In 2026, he joyfully celebrated the 65th anniversary of his ordination, marking more than six decades of faithful and dedicated ministry.

His early education and formation included Cardinal O'Connell Minor Seminary, where he served as librarian (1953–1955), St. Clement's Philosophy House (1955–1957), and St. John Seminary Theologate (1957–1961), where he served as Master of Ceremonies. He earned a Master of Arts in Scripture from St. John Seminary in 1961, a Master of Arts in Religious Education from Emmanuel College in 1970, a Master of Theology from St. John Seminary in 1974, and a Ph.D. in Pastoral Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1976. His doctoral dissertation, "Caring Relationship with the Institutionalized Elderly," reflected his lifelong concern for compassionate pastoral care.

Father Gariboldi's ministry spanned parishes, seminaries, and academic institutions. He served as associate pastor at St. Ann Parish in Gloucester, MA (1961–1971), and at St. Mary Parish in West Quincy (1971–1972). He then pursued advanced studies at the University of Notre Dame (1972–1976).

Upon returning to the Archdiocese of Boston, he served as Professor of Pastoral Theology and Director of the Field Education Program at St. John's Seminary in Brighton from 1976 to 1987, where he also held a position as a voting faculty member. A gifted teacher and mentor, he supervised generations of seminarians and played a key role in shaping pastoral formation, including organizing the National Catholic Directors of Field Education.

He later served as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in West Lynn (1987–1995), where he founded the parish's first pastoral staff, and as Pastor of St. Joachim Parish in Rockport (1995–2005). From 2005 onward, he served as Co-Pastor of Holy Family Parish in Gloucester and Rockport.

In addition to his parish ministry, Father Gariboldi made significant contributions to theological education and pastoral practice. He authored "The Art of Theological Reflection," published by University Press, and "Pastoral Formation & Field Education in Catholic Seminaries," a monograph for the U.S. Bishops Conference. His scholarly articles appeared in Pastoral Life and Priest magazines, addressing topics such as shared ministry, the permanent diaconate, pastoral burnout, and the relationship between pastors and newly initiated members of the Church.

He also served as a teaching professor at Andover Newton Seminary, contributed to the Permanent Diaconate Program of the Archdiocese of Boston, taught courses on death and dying for the archdiocesan gerontology program, and worked ecumenically through the Association of Theologate Summer School Program. He coordinated the Lynn Inter-Parish Collaborative and served as a retreat master for the Sisters of Mercy in Manchester, New Hampshire.

A man of many interests, Father Gariboldi found joy in cooking, jogging, cross-country skiing, mountain climbing, photography, on stage with Theater in the Pines, and traveling, especially to the Holy Land, Italy, Portugal, and Rome.

Father Gariboldi will be remembered for his deep faith, intellectual rigor, pastoral compassion, and unwavering dedication to the Church and to the people he served. His legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched as a priest, teacher, mentor, and friend.

He is predeceased by his parents and is lovingly remembered by his brother priests, former students, parishioners, and all who were blessed to know him.

May he rest in the peace of Christ he so faithfully served.

Visiting hours will be held in St. Ann's Church, Holy Family Parish on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 3 to 7 p.m. and on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, from 9 to 11 a.m. followed by his Funeral Mass celebrated at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery, Gloucester.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Holy Family Parish, 60 Prospect St, Gloucester, MA 01930, The Grace Center, 264 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930 or to Holy Family Parish Cevicos Mission, 74 Pleasant Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.

Arrangements by Greely Funeral Home, 212 Washington Street, Gloucester, MA 01930.

For online condolences, please visit www.greelyfuneralhome.com.