Rev. George Allard

1933 - 2021

ALLARD, REV. GEORGE
Home for Easter! Reverend George Laurent Allard, 87, distinguished senior priest of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence passed away unexpectedly but peacefully at Rhode Island Hospital where he was surrounded and supported by compassionate care from its outstanding team of medical professionals, otherwise known as our 'healthcare heroes'.
Son of the late Oliva and Gertrude (Coutu) Allard, he was born on November 20, 1933 in Woonsocket where he was raised and educated together with his siblings, Richard, Normand, Irene, and Gertrude. He attended Jesus-Mary and Precious Blood Elementary Schools and graduated from Mount St. Charles Academy in 1952. He was also a graduate of Our Lady of Providence Seminary College, Class of 1954, and later St. Paul Seminary in Ottawa, Canada.
He began his recently celebrated 60-year priestly ministry upon ordination by Bishop Russell J. McVinney in June, 1960, and throughout his pastoral-care and administrative career he touched thousands of hearts and souls while serving God and His people at St. Joseph's, Precious Blood, and St Charles' Churches in Woonsocket; St. Joseph's Church in Pascoag and Chaplain at Zambarano Memorial Hospital, Wallum Lake; Our Lady of Consolation and St. Cecilia's Churches in Pawtucket; and finally at Christ the King Church in West Warwick, retiring as Pastor Emeritus.
Throughout his ministry, he considered himself "a people's priest" and was widely regarded as extremely personable, compassionate, and fiscally savvy. He thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of his assignments, shepherding the various parochial flocks he tended and supporting the many and varied activities associated with parish life including Boy Scouts, Knights of Columbus, adult and youth groups, general and Catholic School administration, and building and renovation projects for which he had a particular affinity.
Father George was a beloved member of the 'Lodge' community at the Village at Waterman Lake in Smithfield. His last several retirement years there found him enjoying good conversation and entertainment, good food and good friends, and brought him much satisfaction and contentment. He also enjoyed dining out and was an avid sports fan (when the Cable was cooperating)!
Athletic, outgoing, always socializing, sometimes feisty, he was always neatly dressed in one of his 'signature' red-checkered, button-down shirts. His admirable and life-long physical fitness and agility - the result of years of conditioning developed through his enjoyment of ice hockey, golf, tennis, swimming, and countless miles of walking, especially on RI beaches with his brother priests and more recently in the corridors and on the grounds at 'the Village' - together with his requisite charm and award-winning smile endeared him to many by whom his presence and positive influence will be sorely missed.
He leaves his brother priests, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and fond memories.
A Concelebrated Mass of Christian Burial for the repose of Father George's soul is scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at 10:00a.m., preceded by visitation from 9:00 to 9:45a.m., at Precious Blood Church (his home parish), 94 Carrington Avenue, Woonsocket. "COVID precautions and capacities to be observed." Father will be laid to rest at St. Mary's Cemetery in West Warwick.
Memorial donations in honor of Father to any of the parishes he served would be appreciated.