The Diocese of Venice is mourning the death of Father Jerome “Jerry” P. Kaywell, who served as Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Punta Gorda since 2008. Father Kaywell passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 23, 2026, at the age of 72.
Bishop Frank J. Dewane expressed his profound sadness at the loss of Father Kaywell, who served in the Diocese of Venice for 35 years.
“Let us keep the soul of Father Jerry in our prayers. Father participated in many important moments in the pastoral and sacramental life of his parishioners. Baptisms, first communions, weddings, and funerals, he has been there for it all,” Bishop Dewane remarked. “He was a priest of many talents who shared his love for the Lord with all who knew him. May he rest in peace!”
Bishop Dewane also expresses his deepest condolences to Father Kaywell’s family as well as to the staff and parishioners of Sacred Heart Parish who, are also suffering from this great loss. “Know you are in my prayers during this difficult time, and may you find comfort in the knowledge that Father Jerry is now on his journey to Our Lord.”
Father Kaywell was appointed Administrator of Sacred Heart Parish in 2004 and that same year the Parish church was destroyed by Hurricane Charley. Father quickly took on the necessary work for rebuilding the church, including hosting a benefit concert and creating an album “After Charley,” which raised funds for the Parish’s and community’s hurricane recovery. A new church was dedicated and blessed by Bishop Dewane on Nov. 23, 2008, and at that time Father Kaywell was named Pastor. In 2022, during Hurricane Ian, the Parish Center and rectory were flooded and suffered severe damage which took nearly two years to repair.
Parishioners of Sacred Heart posted messages of condolence on social media, with many remembering how Father Kaywell was so full of life and joy as well as for always having a smile. Known for his two great passions in life, many stated how generous he was in sharing his love of God as well as for his broad musical talents.
Born in 1953 in West Palm Beach, and one of five children, Father Kaywell discerned early in life a religious vocation, entering a Franciscan monastery at age 17, first graduating from St. Francis College in Loretto, Pennsylvania, and then studying at St. Francis Seminary, also in Loretto. In 1975, he left religious life shortly after releasing his first album to perform in a band with his brother, eventually moving to California, where he was involved in youth ministry and professional songwriting for advertising and television for more than a decade.
The future Father Kaywell then returned to seminary in 1984 at which time he was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer. While battling cancer, he managed to record the 1986 Grammy-winning gospel album “Let My People Go” with The Winans.
He then continued his studies at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach and was ordained on Oct. 25, 1991, at Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. Father Kaywell served as Parochial Vicar at St. Andrew Parish in Cape Coral from 1991-1998, then as Parochial Vicar at St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples from 1999-2004, before his appointment to Sacred Heart.
Father Kaywell was St. Vincent de Paul Society Chaplain for the Sacred Heart Conference. In his early years as a priest, Father performed at concerts to help raise money for Catholic education throughout the Diocese. Father Kaywell continued to produce music while a priest and released his latest album in 2020.
Father Kaywell is survived by two sisters, two brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will take place 4-7 p.m., Wednesday, March 11, at Sacred Heart Parish, 211 W. Charlotte Ave., Punta Gorda. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m., March 12.
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Jerome Kaywell and the consolation of his family. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
