Second Shepherd of Venice Dies
Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, O.F.M. Cap., said that it was “with profound sadness, yet with faith in the promise of the Resurrection,” that he announced the passing of Bishop Dewane, who was surrounded by close family and friends at the time of his death.
Bishop Emeritus, Frank J. Dewane administered to God’s people 38 years as a priest, and nearly 20 years as the second Bishop of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. He died after a short illness in the early hours of Oct. 7, 2026, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
Funeral Services for Bishop Emeritus
The Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane
Tuesday, October 13
Beginning on Tuesday, October 13, at 4:00 p.m., Bishop Frank J. Dewane will lie in state at the Epiphany Cathedral Parish Center, 310 Sarasota Street, in Venice. (The Viewing will be held at the Parish Center as Epiphany Cathedral is currently under renovation.)
The service will commence with the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary, by the clergy and faithful, from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m., followed by Evening Prayer, presided by His Excellency, Bishop Emilio E Biosca, O.F.M. Cap. Immediately after, the faithful may approach the casket and devoutly pay their respects to Bishop Dewane. Bishop Dewane will lie in state in Venice until 7:00 a.m.
Wednesday, October 14
On Wednesday, October 14, at 10 a.m., Morning Prayer will take place at St. John XXIII Catholic Church, 13060 Palomino Lane, Fort Myers, while Bishop Dewane lies in state. The Funeral Mass for Bishop Dewane will follow at St. John XXIII Catholic Church beginning at 2:00 p.m. The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass will be presided by His Excellency, Archbishop James F. Checchio of New Orleans. His Excellency, Archbishop Bernard Hebda of Saint Paul and Minneapolis will deliver the funeral homily.
The Rite of Committal and Burial will take place at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 14, at Epiphany Cathedral Parish in Venice. Bishop Dewane will be laid to rest in the Epiphany Cathedral Bishops’ crypt.
All of the faithful are welcome to attend the Viewing, Morning Prayer, and Funeral Mass. For those unable to attend, the Funeral Mass will also be livestreamed at dioceseofvenice.com/livestream.
Born March 9, 1950, in Wisconsin, Bishop Dewane grew up in the Green Bay area and was ordained to the priesthood in 1988. He served in various roles for the Vatican before being named coadjutor bishop of the Diocese of Venice by Pope Benedict XVI April 25, 2006, and on Jan. 19, 2007, he was installed as the second bishop of the Diocese of Venice
“As we mourn the loss of Bishop Dewane, we also give thanks to God for the gift of his life and for the many ways in which he served the Church,” said Bishop Emilio. “Bishop Dewane leaves behind a remarkable legacy of faithful service to the Church. For nearly two decades, he served as the spiritual shepherd of the Diocese of Venice. His years as a priest and bishop were marked by a sincere love for Christ, His Church, and the people entrusted to his pastoral care, especially those most in need. Please join me in praying for the repose of Bishop Dewane’s soul, that the Lord may welcome His faithful servant into eternal life.”
Prayer for Bishop Dewane
“O God, who chose your servant
Bishop Dewane from among your
priests and endowed him with
pontifical dignity in the apostolic
priesthood, grant, we pray, that
he may also be admitted to their
company forever. Through our Lord
Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and
reigns with you in the unity of the
Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever.
Amen.”
Excerpts from the Florida Catholic 10/09/26 by Bob Reddy
For more information about the life of Bishop Emeritus Frank J. Dewane, visit: https://dioceseofvenice.org/most-reverend-frank-j-dewane/