12/22/2025
BRISTOL -
Fr. Victor Arthur Gaboury was born on August 13, 1931, in North Attleboro, Massachusetts, the beloved son of Albert V. Gaboury and Beatrice Mary (Plante) Gaboury. One of five children, Vic grew up with a deep sense of family that stayed with him throughout his life. He is survived by two brothers and their wives, ten nieces and nephews, many grandnieces and grandnephews, and a wide circle of friends who came to feel like family through his gentle presence and open heart.
Ordained on December 21, 1957, at Columban Major Seminary in Milton, Massachusetts, Vic began a life of service marked not only by dedication but by genuine care for each person he encountered. Assigned to the Philippines in 1958, he served in parishes in Silang, Cavite; Binangonan and Tanay, Rizal; and later as pastor in Morong, Rizal. Wherever he went, Vic was known as a patient listener, a calm presence, and a priest who met people where they were—without judgment and with deep respect.
In 1973, Vic began a year-long Clinical Pastoral Education program and became Chaplain at Makati Medical Center, where his compassion and attentiveness brought comfort to patients, families, and staff alike. His gift for listening—truly listening—was one of his greatest strengths, and many found in him a safe and understanding confidant.
Vic later served in the United States as a hospital chaplain, formation staff member, and counselor. From California to Connecticut to Cambridge, Massachusetts, he offered wisdom with humility and kindness. Whether working with seminarians, lay missioners, or colleagues, he was known for his gentleness, insightfulness, and quiet encouragement. He had a rare ability to affirm others, helping them see their own goodness and potential.
In 1986, Vic joined the Columban mission in Montego Bay, Jamaica, serving at the Sacred Heart Mission in Seaford-Town. There, his care for the poor and marginalized was lived out in simple, practical ways—always attentive, always generous, and always guided by compassion. He often spoke of a woman in the Seaford area whom he regularly helped, even as she herself struggled greatly. His concern for her reflected how deeply he cared for those who were vulnerable, never turning away from need.
Returning to the United States in 1991, Vic continued his work in formation in Chicago and later at the Drexel House, serving as Rector of the U.S. Initial Formation Program and Socius/Bursar for the Spiritual Year. Those who worked with him remember not only his leadership but his warmth, fairness, and steady support.
In retirement, first in Epsom, New Hampshire, and later in Bristol and Portsmouth, Rhode Island, Vic remained closely connected to the many people and places that had shaped his life. He transformed garden spaces into vibrant flower beds—a reflection of his nurturing spirit and love
of beauty. He also enjoyed creative arts such as cross-stitching, having a remarkable sense of art and design, often designing his own patterns.
During his final years at the Columban house, Vic was surrounded by love. Friends, former colleagues, and students from the Philippines reached out through visits, calls, letters, and messages. He cherished these connections and remained deeply grateful for them. His life touched countless people, many of whom remember him as a rare and remarkable individual—kind, generous, wise, nonjudgmental, and deeply caring.
Fr. Vic lived simply and cared profoundly for the poor. Above all, he lived with a quiet goodness that made others feel seen, heard, and valued. For the weeks and days leading up to his death, he was surrounded by his friends and family and on the morning of December 13, he passed away peacefully, with his brother Paul and his sister-in-law Michele by his side.
May the peace of Christ, which he so freely shared with others, now be his forever.
Services will be held on Tuesday, January 13, at 11 AM at the Columban Fathers, 65 Ferry Road, Bristol, Rhode Island.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Columban Fathers either online at www.columban.org or by mail sent to the Missionary Society of St. Columban, 1902 N. Calhoun St., Bellevue, Nebraska 68056.
For more information, please visit www.limafh.cm
