Ave Maria University Mourns the Passing of Bishop Frank J. Dewane

Ave Maria University joins the Diocese of Venice in mourning the death of the Most Reverend Frank J. Dewane, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Venice in Florida. Bishop Dewane died at the age of 76 on Wednesday, October 7, the Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.

Bishop Dewane led the church in Southwest Florida for two decades. Pope Benedict XVI named him coadjutor bishop in 2006, and he became the second bishop of Venice in January 2007. He served in that role until his retirement in May 2026, when Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Emilio Biosca Agüero, O.F.M. Cap., as the diocese’s third bishop. Bishop Dewane served as apostolic administrator until Bishop Biosca’s installation July 11 and thereafter as bishop emeritus.

"Our University was blessed by his pastoral care, his presence on our campus, and his steadfast support of Catholic education," said University President Mark Middendorf, Founder and Chancellor Thomas S. Monaghan, and Chairman of the Board Patrick Rainey in a joint statement to the University community. "We give thanks to Almighty God for Bishop Dewane's life of faithful service to Christ and His Church."

The University has invited its students, faculty, staff and friends to pray for the repose of Bishop Dewane’s soul. It has also asked them to pray for his family, for the priests he ordained and served alongside, and for all the faithful of the Diocese of Venice. These intentions will be remembered in a special way at Masses offered on campus in the coming days. Because October is the month dedicated to the Holy Rosary, the University is also encouraging the community to offer a rosary for Bishop Dewane.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.