Bishop Frank J. Dewane, who led the Catholic Diocese of Venice for nearly two decades before retiring earlier this year, died Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital after a brief illness, the diocese announced.
Dewane died at 3 a.m., surrounded by close family and friends, according to a news release from Bishop Emilio E. Biosca, his successor. The release did not specify the illness.
“It is with profound sadness, yet with faith in the promise of the Resurrection, that I announce the passing of the Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice in Florida,” Biosca said in the release.
Ordained to the priesthood in 1988, Dewane was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2006 as the diocese’s second bishop. He succeeded
Bishop John J. Nevins, the diocese’s founding bishop.
Dewane retired May 13, 2026, and continued serving as the diocese’s apostolic administrator until July 11. He held the title of bishop emeritus until his death.
“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,” Biosca said.
“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.“
Biosca asked Catholics to remember Dewane in their prayers.
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be announced once finalized, according to the diocese.
Wade Tatangelo is the executive editor of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune and Florida dining and entertainment editor for the USA TODAY Network. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram, and X. He can be reached by email at wade.tatangelo@heraldtribune.com. Support local journalism by subscribing.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Longtime Venice Bishop Frank Dewane dies at Sarasota hospital
