Reverend Ronald J. Bengford, 66, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Matthew Parish, Cranston, died Wednesday, October 14, 2026.

Born in Warwick, Rhode Island, son of the late John A. and Cecelia A. (Basso) Bengford, he attended North Kingstown public schools and Franciscan University of Steubenville, Steubenville, Ohio. In preparation for the priesthood, he studied at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, Maryland. He was ordained a priest on June 4, 1994 at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Providence, by the Most Reverend Louis E. Gelineau.

Father Bengford served as assistant pastor at St. Paul Parish, Cranston (1994-1997); St. Augustine Parish, Providence (1997) and Immaculate Conception Parish, Westerly (1998-2003).

In 2004, Father Bengford was appointed pastor of Sacred Heart Parish, Woonsocket, and remained there until 2013. In July 2013, he was appointed Pastor of St. Matthew Parish, Cranston and retired from there in 2025 as Pastor Emeritus. He also served as Administrator pro tem at Sacred Heart Parish, Woonsocket (2003 – 04).

Among Fr. Ron’s close friends were two of his classmates from seminary, Msgr. Mark Merdian and Fr. Steve Willard, and he treasured their wisdom and support throughout his ministry.

Fr. Ron loved his family and friends and connecting with them frequently, including at several local restaurants. For years he kept a faithful schedule of which establishments he visited on which day or night of the week. When his parents were alive, he could often be seen with them in these settings. Through the decades, he became friends with and encouraged many of the restaurant owners, workers, and patrons by his presence.

Fr. Ron enjoyed music, good food and all the aesthetically pleasing dimensions of God’s creation. He always had a love for travel and a zest for life.

Fr. Ron would often say that “from Woonsocket to Westerly, Boston to New York,” everywhere he went everyone knew him.

Father Bengford is survived by his two sisters, Paula J. Laurenzo and Renee J. Street (Matthew Kinnaman) his nephew Jeffrey Street (Melissa), niece Annemarie Laurenzo, nephew Justin Street and 5 great nephews. He was the brother of the late Marcella Bengford.

A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial will be offered for the repose of Father’s soul on Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 10:00 am at St. Francis de Sales Church, 381 School Street, North Kingstown. Burial will be in St. Joseph Cemetery, West Greenwich. Calling hours: Tuesday, October 27, 2026 from 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm at the Fagan Quinn Funeral Home, 825 Boston Neck Rd., North Kingstown UNDER THE DIRECTION OF THE HILL SKEFFINGTON FUNERAL HOME OF EAST GREENWICH www.hillskeffington.com 

In lieu of flowers donations in Father Bengford’s memory may be made through the following link https://gofund.me/2eaa65344