Editor’s note: Dominick and Rita Cavuoto, Michele Tromble and Janet Beach have each known Bishop Frank J. Dewane for many years. All have served on various Diocesan boards through the years and each considers Bishop Dewane a friend having interacted and worked with him on many occasions through the years. Each were asked to share their experiences in dealing with the Bishop in both formal and informal settings.
Cavuotos
Dominick Cavuoto was serving on the St. Agnes Parish Council in Naples when Bishop Dewane erected the Parish in 2007 – one of the first major actions the Bishop took upon assuming his role.
“My first impression was very positive, and it has never waned,” said Cavuoto, who currently serves on the Board of Director of the Catholic Community Foundation of Southwest Florida Inc. “He was so wonderful and took the time to talk and said, ‘Let’s keep in contact.’ He reached out to us not long afterward. He has been a great Shepherd for the Diocese, but also for our family. He was always warm to us and knew the names of our children and grandchildren. That meant a lot to us and says so much about him.”
Rita Cavuoto, who recently relinquished her role as Chair of the Catholic Charities Diocese of Venice Board of Directors, said her work with Bishop Dewane through the years gave her a glimpse into the “tremendous vision on everything from the small things to the largest projects. He also has a clear vision of how people should be treated – always with dignity. He goes to every event he can. When there has been an emergency, he goes out there and loads cars with food.”
The Cavuoto’s both said they have the utmost respect for Bishop Dewane in how he has a great responsibility in his role as the religious leader of the Diocese, but also as how he handled his role as leader of the operational side of the Diocese as well.
Tromble
Tromble first met Bishop Dewane is 2009 when she and her husband took part in a Diocesan trip to Italy in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Diocese. That experience showed how the Bishop handled adversity on the trip by helping to fix whatever the problem was, including helping to porter baggage, help people in and out of buses and boats and making sure everyone was comfortable, Tromble said.
“On another trip to the Holy Land, we had the opportunity to have Mass in the Holy Sepulchre, Tromble said. “We were traveling with a young priest in our group and the Bishop allowed him to say this Mass. This was an amazing gift to the other priest. I think Bishop’s joy was so beautiful that the true gift was his.”
Tromble, who served on the Foundation Board for 14 years noted that there are not many surprises with Bishop Dewane, whom she said is always very respectful but also human. Because of their friendship, she credits the Bishop with teaching her “that a small effort turns into an amazing accomplishment. Like planting a seed, the smallest of things, that grows and feeds us all. This is the basis of our faith to care for all with dignity. I can never thank him enough.”
Beach
Beach first met Bishop Dewane shortly after he was ordained as a Bishop while she was on the Parish Council of Epiphany Cathedral in Venice. They developed a friendship through the years to where she too was asked and served 14 years on the Catholic Community Foundation Board, ultimately serving as Director for a term.
“He transformed the Foundation into something that now makes a real impact on the Diocese from the many scholarships we offer, to migrant care grants and much more,” Beach said. “That would never have happened without the direction and tenacity of Bishop Dewane.”
Beach, Tromble and the Cavuotos also explained how they each witnessed Bishop Dewane use his leadership and interpersonal skills and sheer will to help build up Catholic Charities, the Foundation, Parishes and Catholic schools to each now thrive in ways that were deemed unimaginable in 2007.
True impressions
“What he has done for the Diocese is amazing,” Beach said. “He has given it his all.”
Tromble said Bishop Dewane’s passion “is to care for those who need it most. He not only supports this cause, he looks far beyond. He has created a foundation of support to sustain the care of those in need. That is his legacy.”
The Cavuotos noted many never get to see the social and friendly side of Bishop Dewane. “When you work with him on a lot of committees you grow to see the full depth of Bishop Dewane,” Dominick said. “We have been blessed to count him as a true friend of our family.”
