NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Rev. Thomas Peter Gariepy, C.S.C., 78, died at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind., on September 12, 2026.
Fr. Gariepy was born in Providence, R.I., on February 3, 1948, the youngest child of Richard T. and Phyllis H. (Smith) Gariepy. After graduating from Attleboro High School in Attleboro, Mass., in 1965, he enrolled at Stonehill College in North Easton, Mass. In February of 1967, he entered the postulancy program at the Holy Cross Seminary there and in July that same year, he began his novitiate year in Bennington, Vt., and he professed his First Vows in Holy Cross on July 16, 1968. He graduated from Stonehill College in 1970 with a bachelor’s degree in history. Beginning later in 1970, he entered Moreau Seminary in Notre Dame, Ind., earning a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1973. He was ordained a Holy Cross priest on April 20, 1974.
After ordination, he was assigned as assistant rector at Flanner Hall at the University of Notre Dame for two years, while also earning a master’s degree in History and Philosophy of Science in 1976 from the University of Notre Dame. In 1976, he began doctoral studies at Yale University in New Haven, Conn., earning his Ph.D. in History of Science and Medicine in 1980. From 1980-1985, he was Dean of Saybrook, one of Yale College’s then-twelve undergraduate residences. In 1985, he joined the faculty at Stonehill College, where he served until he moved to Holy Cross House in Notre Dame, Ind., in 2024. During his tenure at Stonehill College, he served as program director of the Program in the History and Philosophy of Science, where he taught courses in the history of medicine. He later joined the Department of Healthcare Administration and taught policy, epidemiology, and the history of emerging infectious diseases. From 1985-1989, he also served as director of Holy Cross Candidate House in North Easton, Mass. Beginning in 2002, he served as assistant superior for the Holy Cross Community at Stonehill College for one year and served as superior from 2003-2006. In 2024, he moved to Holy Cross House, where he stayed until his passing.
Preceding Fr. Gariepy in death are his parents. He is survived by his older brother, Richard and many beloved cousins.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the Chapel of Mary located on Stonehill College campus in North Easton, Mass. with a wake service following at 4:30 p.m. Visitation will also be held on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Mary with a Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. You may join us via livestream at https://youtube.com/live/3vn7RbQei6A?feature=share.
Burial will be in the community cemetery in Easton, Massachusetts. Kane Funeral Home, Easton, is in charge of the arrangements.
Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be made to: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Advancement, P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0765 or online at https://donate.holycrossusa.org.
