Stonehill Mourns the Loss of Reverend Thomas Gariepy, C.S.C

By Maya Traska

On September 12^th, 2026, at the age of 78, Reverend Thomas Gariepy, C.S.C. ‘70, passed away.

Fr. Gariepy, C.S.C., made an impact at Stonehill College that extended far beyond the classroom. He encouraged students, supported colleagues, and helped strengthen the college community. His influence continues through the people he inspired.

A Providence native and graduate of Attleboro High School, Rev. Gariepy attended Stonehill College from 1965 to 1970, earning a bachelor’s degree in history. His time at Stonehill established a lasting connection to the college and its community.

After graduating, he continued his education, earning a master’s degree from the University of Notre Dame and a Ph.D. in the History and Science of Medicine from Yale University. He later served as dean of Saybrook College, a position that reflected his academic knowledge, leadership abilities, and commitment to education.

Father Gariepy should be remembered not only for his academic accomplishments, but also for his lasting influence on Stonehill College. 

Through mentoring students, leading committees, supporting accreditation efforts, and serving his colleagues, he modeled integrity, humility, and selfless service. His work strengthened the college in ways that were not always immediately visible. Whether he was participating in an important institutional project or speaking with a student after class, Gariepy approached every responsibility with care and dedication.

Reverend George Piggford, a friend of Gariepy, remembers him as kind, lighthearted, and deeply curious. Piggford said Gariepy’s personality made him approachable and helped him build meaningful relationships with the people around him. He also recalled Gariepy’s enthusiasm for learning, saying, “Tom had a great passion for learning—for languages, cultures, and whatever interested him.”

“He was very good-natured, kind, and supportive. He loved to joke around, and he was quick to laugh at a joke,” Piggford said.

Piggford also emphasized the qualities that reflected Stonehill’s values and mission. “Tom was somebody who really embodied Stonehill’s best qualities: challenging students, but also encouraging them,” Piggford said.

That balance was central to Gariepy’s approach to teaching. He expected students to take their studies seriously, but he also understood that they needed guidance and encouragement. Rather than simply presenting information, he pushed students to think critically, ask difficult questions, and develop their own perspectives. His compassion shaped the way he worked with both students and colleagues.

Gariepy’s influence also came from his consistent actions. He demonstrated that leadership was not only about holding an important title; it was also about listening to others, contributing to the community, and making people feel valued. His willingness to support institutional work and assist his colleagues showed that he understood education as a shared responsibility.

For those who knew him, Gariepy’s legacy is connected to both his accomplishments and his character. He challenged people to grow while making them feel supported throughout the process. His academic career, service to Stonehill, and relationships with students and colleagues all reflected his commitment to education and community. Years after his time at Stonehill, the people he influenced continue to remember his kindness, humor, curiosity, and dedication.