As the second Shepherd of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, Bishop Emeritus Frank J. Dewane served nearly 20 years leading and managing the growth of the diocese, ensuring the pastoral needs of the faithful were met.
The life of Bishop Dewane was celebrated following his death, Oct. 7, 2026, at the age of 76. The bishop lived a full and productive life, serving the faithful as a priest, bishop and shepherd, and friend.
Bishop Dewane was remembered as good and caring friend to many, someone who was blessed by the Lord with amazing natural gifts which served him well as he helped guide the Diocese of Venice through two decades of growth while also dealing with the impacts of multiple hurricanes and a global pandemic.
Thousands paid their respects during a series of memorials culminating in a Mass of Christian Burial at St. John XXIII Parish, Fort Myers, Oct. 14, presided over by Archbishop James F. Checchio of New Orleans with Archbishop Bernard A. Hebda of St. Paul and Minneapolis delivering the funeral homily. The funeral took place in Fort Myers as Epiphany Cathedral is currently undergoing renovation.
In addition to the two archbishops, also present were 10 bishops, including many from Florida, and Bishop Jacques E. Fabre of Charleston, South Carolina, who served as a priest in the Diocese of Venice.
Archbishop Hebda shared stories about his longtime friend, having met when both were attending the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Bishop Dewane a year ahead. The two became fast friends, as both entered a vocation to the priesthood later in life after first working in the private sector. That friendship continued and grew with both later working at the Vatican at the same time and both eventually being ordained bishops, with Bishop Dewane serving in the diocese where much of Archbishop Hebda’s family now resides.
“Bishop Dewane was well known here for pouring himself out in servitude,” Archbishop Hebda said. “There are wonderful things going on here and Bishop Dewane set the bar high for the rest of us through his great love for the Eucharist, the life-giving bread… and the diocese is known around the country for its heroic defense of each human life.”
Archbishop Hebda noted the remarkable growth of the diocese – adding six new parishes, huge enrollment increases in Catholic schools, as well as the expansion of the role of Catholic Charities in impacting those most in need.
“Bishop Dewane not only loved this local church, but he also very much experienced being loved here as well,” the archbishop continued. “He knew every inch of this diocese and could articulate the strengths of each parish. He demanded much of his priests and diocesan staff, always challenging them to reach their potential for the glory of God and the good of the faithful of this local Church.”
The archbishop concluded his remarks, saying, “May Bishop Dewane now rest in that Kingdom of Heaven, and may we look forward toward that day when we will meet him again and every tear will be wiped away.”
Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., who led the Solemn Vespers, Office of the Dead, Oct. 13, at Epiphany Cathedral Parish Hall, concelebrated the Mass and marveled at how much Bishop Dewane impacted the lives of the faithful in the Diocese of Venice in nearly 20 years of dedicated service.
Bishop Emilio said that many buildings were constructed and programs implemented by Bishop Dewane that have had substantive and lasting positive impacts on many people. Even so, things were left unfinished because a diocese is alive, full of people and growing in different ways.
“Trust and hope that Bishop Dewane, from another place and another perspective, purified and sanctified through our prayers and the prayers of the Church, will be able to help as we continue to grow the Church in the Diocese of Venice,” Bishop Emilio said.
A letter from Archbishop Gabriele G. Caccia, the Vatican’s apostolic nuncio to the United States, to Bishop Emilio was read at the opening of the Mass. The letter was transmitted to the nuncio via Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican Secretary of State, on behalf of Pope Leo XIV.
The letter was read by Msgr. Patrick Dubois, Vicar Forane of the Northern Deanery and rector of Epiphany Cathedral, who stated:
“Saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Emeritus Frank Joseph Dewane, His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV, sends heartfelt condolences to you, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the diocese, recognizing, with gratitude, his years of service to the Holy See, as well as his episcopal ministry to the Church in Venice in Florida – His Holiness entrusts the late bishop’s soul to the loving mercy of Christ, the Good Shepherd. “
“To those present at the Mass of Bishop’s Funeral – and to all who mourn Bishop Frank’s death – in the sure hope of the resurrection, the Holy Father cordially imparts his apostolic blessing and his prayers of consolation in the peace of the Lord. Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State.”
“Offering my personal prayer and heartfelt condolences to you and the faithful of the Diocese of Venice in Florida, I remain sincerely yours in Christ, Gabrielle Caccia, apostolic nuncio.”
Later in the day, during the Rite of Committal at Epiphany Cathedral, the priests of the College of Consultors, who served as pallbearers, spoke of the humble and caring shepherd and mentor who they saw in quieter moments. They recalled Bishop Dewane as a man who had a vision to help the diocese grow stronger while also ensuring that those in need were also cared for. Each also noted that the bishop, who worked at a frenetic pace, would take the time to inquire about the health of family and friends, often serving with a personal touch as a surrogate father.
