The Diaconate Office informs of the passing of Deacon John “Jack” Lyons, 88, of All Saints Parish, Clearwater, on Saturday, September 26, 2026, after health complications. He has served the Diocese of Saint Petersburg for 29 years, retiring a few years ago because of declining health. Deacon Lyons was a member of All Saints …
The Chancellor’s Office was saddened to learn that Mr. Bartholomeo Tham Nguyen, 65, brother of Reverend Viet Nguyen, Pastor of Holy Martyrs of Vietnam Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away tragically on Friday, September 11, 2026 in Vietnam after being swept away by flood waters during the torrential storms affecting the nation and surrounding areas. Please …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Monsignor James “Aiden” Foynes, 90, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Thursday afternoon, August 20, 2026, at Mease Countryside Hospital, Clearwater, following a recent decline in health, which occurred briefly after his return from a trip to his native Ireland, …
The Chancellor’s Office recently learned of the sudden passing of Mr. Timothy Carter, 46, nephew of Reverend Michael Smith, Pastor of Nativity Parish, Brandon, on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, in Clearwater. Mr. Carter’s surviving family members include his parents Melody and Bill Carter, his sister Madison Carter, his daughter Elizabeth Carter, his uncle Father Smith, and …
The Chancellor’s Office announces the passing of Mrs. Henri Plourde, 91, on Saturday, August 1, 2026. She is the mother of Peter and John (deceased 2020) Plourde, former priests of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, and of Joy Stephen, wife of Deacon Bill Stephen, St. Paul Parish, Tampa. A Funeral Mass for Mrs. Plourde was …
The Chancellor’s Office recently learned of the death of Mrs. Felicitas Gutierrez, 95, mother of Reverend Cristobal Padilla, M. Afr., a priest in residence with the Missionaries of Africa in St. Petersburg. Mrs. Gutierrez passed away on Thursday evening, August 6, 2026, in Mexico. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to Rev. Cristobal Padilla, M.Afr., Missionaries …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Dr. Kevin B. Waters, M.D., 76, passed away early this morning, Monday, August 3, 2026. Dr. Waters is the brother of Very Reverend Joseph Waters, J.C.L., Pastor of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach, and Vicar General and Judicial Vicar of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg. His death occurred …
The Chancellor’s Office informs that Ms. Maria Garvey, 51, sister of Father Joseph T. Eddy, O. de M., Parochial Vicar of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach, passed away early Saturday afternoon, July 18, 2026, in Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania, following a lengthy battle with significant health issues. She is survived by her three children, Anthony, …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mr. Domingos Sebastiao Simoes, 59, passed away Sunday morning, June 28, 2026, in India, following a lengthy illness. Mr. Simoes is the brother of Father Pedro Camilo Simoes, S.A.C., Pastor of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish, Gulfport. Mr. Simoes is survived by his wife and two sons, ages …
We recently learned that Ms. Heather Suzette Hillis, 52, mother of Mr. Geovanny Hillis, Media Creator for the Ministry Advancement Office and Producer at Spirit FM 90.5, unexpectedly passed away on Thursday, June 4, 2026, in Tampa. Ms. Hillis was a member of St. Paul Parish, in Tampa. Funeral Mass for Heather will be held …
The Chancellor’s Office has just learned of the unexpected passing of Mr. Leoncio Vasquez, father of Reverend Amaro Vasquez Ortiz, Parochial Vicar of St. Catherine of Siena Parish, Clearwater, on Friday, May 29, 2026, in Peru. No additional details have been provided but will be shared once they are available. Please keep Father Amaro and …
The Diaconate Office informed that Deacon Dominic (Dom) Friscia, 88, passed away on Thursday evening, May 28, 2026. Deacon Friscia was retired from Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor. He was a resident of Clearwater, along with his wife, Victoria (Vicky). The Friscias have been long-time members of Espiritu Santo Parish, where Deacon Dom served since …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Mr. Joseph Kibbedhi, 48, brother of Father Anthony Kakaire, Parochial Vicar of St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater, on Tuesday, May 5, 2026. According to Father Kakaire, Mr. Kibbedhi resided in his native Uganda and had battled cancer over the past year. Funeral services took place on …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Monsignor Frank Messmann Mouch, 93, into eternal life on Thursday, April 16, 2026, while under Hospice care at the St. John XXIII Retirement Residence, in Lutz, following a steady decline in health in recent months. Monsignor Mouch was born on July 25, 1932, in Sandusky, Ohio. …
The Diaconate Office informs that Mr. Charles Vesely, 74, passed away suddenly on March 29, 2026. Mr. Vesely is the brother-in-law of Deacon Jim Grevenites, Director of Deacon Personnel/Prison & Pastoral Care Ministry. Funeral services will take place on April 2, 2026 at Fredrich-Jones Funeral home in Illinois. Please keep Deacon Grevenites and his family …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Rev. Msgr. Colman M. Cooke, S.P.S., 86, passed away in the Lord on March 3, 2026, in the retirement home of the St. Patrick’s Missionary Society, in Kiltegan, County Wicklow, Ireland. He was a priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg for over 30 years before once again …
The Diaconate Office has announced the passing of Deacon Patrick Frye, 81, a retired deacon of St. Anne Parish, Ruskin, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, following a recent stroke. Deacon Frye was ordained for the Archdiocese of Milwaukee on June 9, 1984 and later relocated to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, where he has served …
We sadly report the recent passing of Mrs. Marjorie Alice (Long) Munden, 85, on February 24, 2026 in Colorado. She was the grandmother of Allison Munden, Director of Communications and Information of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Also, Mr. Charles Willard Munden III, her husband and Allison’s grandfather, passed away on January 30 at the …
The Diaconate Office informs of the passing of Mr. Robert G. Genung, 96, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 after having suffered a massive stroke on January 31st. Mr. Genung was the father of Pam Nagle, wife of retired Deacon Richard Nagle. Funeral Mass was celebrated in private and burial will take place at a later …
The Office of the Chancellor received news about the passing of Mr. VirgiIio Cotto, 84, on Monday, February 16, 2026. Mr. Cotto was the grandfather of Jasmine Pujol, Administrative Assistant of the Diocesan Office of Vocations. He was preceded in death by his parents, Margarita Colón and Virgilio Cotto; his sister, Judith Cotto; his brother, …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Rev. Msgr. Joseph R. Sobiesiak, 80, into eternal life on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, while under Hospice care following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer. Monsignor Sobiesiak was a retired priest of the Diocese of Allentown, who relocated to the Diocese of Saint Petersburg in 2016, …
The Diaconate Office informs with great sadness that Deacon Greg Kovalesky passed away on January 26, 2026. Deacon Kovalesky was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg in June of 1997. He ministered at St. Paul Parish in Tampa and he and his wife, Jay, were very involved in our Diaconate Formation Program. They eventually …
The Chancellor’s Office received news of the passing of Sister Mary Deborah Carlin, SND, on February 6, 2026. Sister Carlin served in the St. Petersburg Diocese for 28 years at: 1984-1991 at Clearwater Central Catholic High School, teaching Religion; 1991-2000 at Our Lady of Lourdes School as Director of Catechetical Ministry; and 2000-2012 at Guardian …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Michael (Mike) A. Dee on January 7, 2026. Mr. Dee worked for Spirit FM in the late 1990’s into early 2000’s where he served as announcer and producer. Mike’s wife Maggie, who preceded him in death in 2012, served at St. Patrick Catholic School in …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Mrs. Migdalia “Maggie” Delpin on Monday, January 19, 2026, after a very brief and courageous battle with cancer over the last month. Mrs. Delpin was a World Language teacher and Extended Day assistant at Nativity Catholic School, Brandon. Mrs. Delpin was a cherished …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Dr. Robert Paul “Bob” Iler on January 16, 2026, one day short of his 95th birthday, at his home surrounded by loved ones. Dr. Iler was the husband of Mrs. Sharon Iler, former director of the Diocesan Respect Life Office. Born and raised in St. Petersburg, …
Sister Mary Clare Neuhofer OSB, a member of the Benedictine Sisters of Florida, died peacefully on December 22, 2025 at the age of 87 after a period of declining health. Baptized Sophia Neuhohfer, she was the sixth child of Helen (Barthle) and Joseph P. Neuhofer. She grew up in a family of 11 children in …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Ms. Susan Thomas on December 19, 2025 after a brief illness. Born May 28, 1951, in Tampa Florida, Susan was a graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names. She furthered her education at Manhattanville College in Purchase, New York, graduating with a BA in English. …
The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Mrs. Daisy David Vazhappilly, 80, mother of Sister Sherly Vazhappilly, FSSE, on Saturday, January 3, 2026, in India, following a brief hospitalization and rapid decline in health. Sister Sherly is the Vicar for Religious of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Sister Sherly will travel to India …
The Vicar for Religious Office informs of the passing of Sr. Mary Rinaldi, FMA, on November 30, 2025, at St. Joseph Provincial Center in Haledon, NJ, surrounded by her Sisters. She was a Daughter of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian Sister of St. John Bosco) for 61 years. Sr. Mary was born to Augustus and …
The Chancellor’s Office just received word of the peaceful passing of Monsignor John A. Cippel, 92, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, this afternoon, Monday, December 1, 2025. He was under Hospice care at the St. John XXIII Retirement Residence, in Lutz, following a battle with leukemia. Monsignor Cippel was born in …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Reverend Kevin Mackin, O.F.M., 87, a retired priest of the Franciscan Order of Friars Minor, passed away in the Lord on Saturday morning, November 15, 2025, at Teresian House, in Albany, New York. From 2014 to 2020, Father Mackin served as Parochial Vicar of St. Raphael Parish, St. Petersburg, …
The Chancellor’s Office received word of the passing of Reverend Steve Pujdak, 82, on Wednesday, November 12, in Dunedin. Father Pujdak was residing at the Priests of the Sacred Heart Residence in Pinellas Park. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Fr. Steve professed his first vows with the Priests of the Sacred Heart (Dehonians) in 1962. His …
The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the passing of Mr. Paul Joseph Friederich, 92, on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at his home. Mr. Friederich was the father of Diane Kledzik, Director of Marriage and Family Life at the Pastoral Center, and a parishioner of St. Patrick Parish, Largo for over 62 years. Mr. Friederich is survived by his wife, Janet, of …
The Chancellor’s Office sadly informs the passing of Mrs. Halina Gazdowicz, age 76, on October 31, 2025 in Poland after a short battle with cancer. Mrs. Gazdowicz is the mother of Rev. Krzysztof Gazdowicz, Pastor of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, New Port Richey. She is survived by her husband, Józef, their three children: Beata, Father …
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Jeffrey Kraus, age 75, on October 10, 2025. Mr. Kraus was the father of Nicole Bubolz, Accounting Manager, Diocese of St. Petersburg. He was a veteran who served in the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his loving children: Lynn Kraus, Nicole (Ross) Bubolz, …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Mr. La Van Pham, 74 years old, father of Mr. Hung Pham, Executive Director of Construction and Real Estate, on September 9, 2025. Funeral Services are as follows: Friday, September 26th – Visitation at Blount and Curry Funeral Home, 6802 Silvermill Dr, Tampa, from 4:00 …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Mr. Louis A. Corona, 99, father of Rev. Dominic Corona, Pastor of St. James the Apostle Parish, Port Richey, on September 12, 2025. Mr. Corona was living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at the time of his death. Funeral Mass for Mr. Corona will be held …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news of the passing of Sister Mary Jerome Leavy, O.S.B., (Dr. Mary Leavy) on September 2, 2025, at the age of 86. She was born in the Bronx, New York, on October 21, 1939 to Virginia and Harold Leavy and moved later to Miami, Florida. She entered the Benedictine Sisters of …
The Chancellor’s Office recently learned that Reverend Raymond Arthur Lettre, 95, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, passed away in the Lord late Friday evening, August 29, 2025, at Sturgill Hospice Care Center, in Brooksville, following a steady decline in health in recent months. Father Lettre was born to Emile and Georgiana …
The Chancellor’s Office received word that Mrs. Elizabeth Zacharia Weria Kiwale, 102, passed away in the Lord earlier today, August 28, 2025, in her home city of Moshi, Tanzania. Mrs. Weria is the mother of Reverend Theobald (Theo) Weria, A.L.C.P., Parochial Vicar of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor. She was preceded in death by her …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the passing of Reverend John James Gordon, I.C., 82, on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the Vineyard Inn Assisted Living Facility, in Seminole. Father Gordon was a retired priest of the Institute of Charity (Rosminians) and a long-time pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish and School, Seminole. His death …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Br. Michael Madden, OFM, 91, on August 4, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Florida. For 62 years as a Franciscan friar, he worked as a cook, maintained facilities and cared for sick and elderly friars along the East Coast. Br. Michael was born on Dec. 13, 1933, …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mrs. Maria Nwando Agbata, 92, on Thursday, August 7, 2025 in Nigeria. Mrs. Agbata is the mother of Reverend Alexander Agbata, Chaplain at St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa. Father Agbata is known to several of the Tampa-area priests for having provided weekend assistance in their parishes. Funeral …
Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Mr. Anthony Pandolfo, 91, maternal grandfather of Reverend Anthony Astrab, pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Tampa, on Thursday, August 7, 2025. Mr. Pandolfo was born in Sant’Arsenio, Italy, on January 4, 1934. He resided in Palm Harbor upon his passing and is survived …
The Chancellor’s Office has recently learned that Mrs. Diane Brown, 90, founder of the Marian Servants of Divine Providence®, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, August 2, 2025, following a gradual decline in health. Diane and her late husband of 71 years, Herbert (Herb), were long-time residents of Clearwater. Mrs. Brown was born and …
The Chancellor’s Office received notice of the passing of Reverend Julio Rivero, T.O.R., 96 years old, a member of the Third Order Regular of St. Francis for 56 years, on July 11, 2025. He was in hospice care at Saint Francis Friary, Loretto, PA. Father Julio served in our Diocese as Parochial Vicar of St. …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned that Reverend James McAteer, I.C., 89 years old, a member of the Institute of Charity for 61 years, passed away on Sunday, July 13, 2025 in Dublin, Ireland, where he was currently living. Father McAteer served in our Diocese as Pastor of St. Theresa Parish, Spring Hill, from August 1999 …
The Office of the Diaconate informs the passing of Mr. Hector Rios Casillas in Mexico on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Mr. Rios is the father of Deacon Hector Rios of St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in Tampa, No further information is available at the moment. Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Deacon Hector Rios …
The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the passing of Mrs. Marykutty Abraham, 83, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in India. Mrs. Abraham is the sister of Reverend Paul Kochu, a retired priest of the Diocese of Saint Petersburg and former pastor of St. Luke the Evangelist Parish, Palm Harbor. A Funeral Mass was held …
The Chancellor’s Office informs that Mr. David Vazhappilly, 90, father of Sister Sherly Vazhappilly, F.S.S.E., Vicar for Religious and Associate Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Saint Petersburg, passed away on June 12, 2025, at his home in India, following a recent illness. Sister Sherly recently traveled to her father’s home and was able …
The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Sister Barbara Jean Rosswurm, CSA, former Faith Formation Director at St. Paul Parish, Tampa, passed away on June 5, 2025, at her congregation’s motherhouse, in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Barbara Jean was born August 2, 1937, in New Haven, Indiana, the daughter of Glenn and Lucille Krick Rosswurm. …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Mrs. Anna Ankrah Adwoa Serwaa Senya, 81, biological mother of Reverend George Gyasi, Parochial Vicar of Resurrection Parish, Riverview. Mrs. Senya passed away on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at Poku Transport Memorial Hospital- Asokwa, Kumasi, Ghana. Father Gyasi also suffered the loss of his adoptive mother, …
The Chancellor’s Office has learned of the passing of Reverend Oscar Zacarias Kozyra, O. de M., 79, a member of the Order of Our Lady of Mercy (Mercedarians), residing in the St. Peter Nolasco Residence, in St. Petersburg, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, due to complications caused by pneumonia. Father Kozyra was born in Buenos …
We have learned from the Vocations Office that Mr. Dale Smith, father of seminarian Austin Smith, passed away on Friday, May 2, 2025 at Tampa General Hospital, following a lengthy battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Mr. Smith is also survived by his wife, Vicki. Austin is currently in formation at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, …