The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Alice “Louise” Nkoy, 81, mother of Reverend Emery Longanga, Ph.D.,  Pastor of Holy Cross Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, September 17, 2020, in her home country of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Her death occurred after a battle with cancer. No […]

Word reached our office that Reverend Conrad Harkins, O.F.M., 85 years old, a professed Franciscan friar for 65 years and a priest for 59, died on August 31, 2020 at St. Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry, NY, where he had lived since last year. He spent most of his religious life in academia and was […]

Reverend Simeon Thole, O.S.B., age 85, died peacefully in the Saint Raphael Hall retirement center at Saint John’s Abbey, Collegeville, MN, on Sunday, July 19, 2020. Simeon (James) Thole was born in Moorhead, MN, April 21, 1935, made his profession as a monk of Saint John’s Abbey July 11, 1956 and was ordained on June 2, […]

The Chancellor’s Office was informed of the death of Sister Irene Lucy Onyai, 56, of the Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate of Gulu, Uganda (LSMIG), on Friday, September 4, 2020, in Kampala, Uganda.  Her tragic death resulted from complications due to COVID-19. Sister Irene has been a friend of the Diocese of St. Petersburg since […]

Word reached our office that Brother Bill Orosz, O.S.B., 90 years old, passed away on September 10, 2020. A viewing with mid-afternoon prayer will be celebrated in the Saint Leo Abbey Church, 33601 State Rd 52, St Leo, FL 33574, on Tuesday, September 15, at 3:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will follow at 4:00 pm. […]

Word has been received of the death of Brother Valerian Vaverehak, OFM, on Monday, August 31, 2020, at Maria Manor in St. Petersburg.  Funeral arrangements for Brother, a professed Franciscan friar for 63 years, are pending.  May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.  […]

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Monsignor George W. Cummings, 102, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, and Pastor Emeritus of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Citrus Springs, early Saturday morning, August 8, 2020, at the Sturgill Hospice House, Brooksville. Please see complete obituary at this link.

We were saddened to learn that Reverend James Alfred Bucaria, 75, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away suddenly at his home in Largo, presumably due to cardiac arrest.  His date of death is listed as Thursday, July 30, 2020. Father Bucaria was born in Weatherford, Texas on December 1, 1944, […]

The Chancellor’s Office learned that Mrs. Mary Punakkattu, 86, mother of Reverend Sojan Punakkattu, Pastor of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, Citrus Springs, passed away in the Lord on Sunday, August 2, 2020, in Calicut, Kerala, India, following a lengthy period of illness. Mrs. Punakkattu is survived by eight children, including Father Punakkattu, thirteen grandchildren […]

We are saddened to announce the passing of Reverend Mario Marzocchi, S.S.S., 84, a retired priest of the Congregation of the Most Blessed Sacrament. He passed away in the Lord at Regina Health Center, Richfield, Ohio on Friday, June 26, 2020, following a brief illness. Father Marzocchi, was born in New York City. He was […]

We are saddened to share this notice from Saint Leo Abbey: “Early this morning [June 10, 2020], our confrere, Father Robert Velten, OSB, died peacefully in his sleep after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Father Robert was born in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, in 1926. Before joining our monastic community in 1948, he bravely […]

We received the sad news that Mrs. Claire E. Norman, 96, mother of Laurie Fleming, from Internal Services Administration of the Pastoral Center, passed away this weekend. Private services will be at Memorial Park, St. Petersburg, on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Expressions of condolence to Laurie and family can be send to her at Diocese […]

We have been informed that Mrs. Mary C. Wartenbe, 94, passed away in the Lord on Saturday, May 16, 2020.  Mary worked for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1978 to 1994, having served as Secretary in the Stewardship Office and as diocesan Archivist.  She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Griffin.  Funeral services will […]

The Chancellor’s Office received the sad news that Mr. John Wiles, husband of Mrs. Terri Wiles, passed away on May 17, 2020.  Terri works in the Finance Office of the Pastoral Center.  Mr. Wiles was diagnosed with double pneumonia late last week and was admitted to the hospital.  For the past few months, he endured […]

The Diaconate Office has received word of the passing of Mrs. Frances Ortiz, 84, wife of Deacon Augustin “Augie” Ortiz, retired from Our Lady of the Rosary Parish in Land O’Lakes, on May 4, 2020. She is pre deceased by her son, David Ortiz; she is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Augie […]

Reverend Gerald Dolan, O.F.M., 89, who resided at St. Anthony Friary, St. Petersburg from 2009 to February 2020, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2020 after testing positive for the COVID-19 coronavirus.  Father Dolan was a professed member of the Franciscan Friars Holy Name Province for 68 years and a priest for over 63 years. […]

Mrs. Patricia Ann (Sullivan) Kayajan, 86, mother of Reverend Daniel Kayajan, C.S.C., Pastor of St. Lawrence Parish, Tampa, passed away on April 30, 2020, in New Hampshire.  Mrs. Kayajan was a resident of Middleboro, Massachusetts.  Private funeral services took place on Saturday, May 2, 2020 with burial at St. Mary’s Cemetery, in Middleboro, Massachusetts.  More […]

Monsignor John Vargas, 83, former Parochial Vicar of Incarnation Parish, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, April 23, 2020, in Troy, Michigan.  He was a priest of the Diocese of Virac, Philippines, and was ordained in 1966.  He served at Incarnation from 2002 to 2006, and also assisted while in residence in 2007 […]

Mrs. Annie Sebastian, 78, mother of Reverend Henry K. Sebastian, I.C., Parochial Vicar of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Seminole, passed away suddenly on May 3, 2020, due to a heart attack.  Mrs. Sebastian lived in Ezhupunna, India, at the time of her death.  She was the wife of Konnoth Sebastian and is survived by one daughter, […]

This past weekend, the Chancellor’s Office was informed that Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Midili) Plazewski, 87, mother of Very Reverend Leonard Plazewski, V.F., Pastor of Christ the King Parish, Tampa, passed away in the Lord on Friday, April 24, 2020, in Zephyrhills. Mrs. Plazewski was born in San Antonio, Florida in 1932 and was a lifelong […]

On Thursday, April 23, 2020, we learned of the death of Reverend Arcangelo Manzi, O. de M., 81, on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, due to complications from the COVID-19 coronavirus.  Father Manzi resided with the Mercedarian community at the St. Peter Nolasco Residence and served as Parochial Vicar of the Cathedral Parish of St. Jude […]

Sister Caroline J. Cerveny, SSJ-TOSF, 76, passed away on Easter Sunday, April 12, 2020, following a lengthy battle with pancreatic cancer.  She lived in Clearwater and was a member of Espiritu Santo Parish, Safety Harbor.  She was a long-time member of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis. Sister Cerveny […]

The Chancellor’s Office learned that Mr. Jose Belgica, 88, father of Reverend Erwin Belgica, Pastor of Our Lady of Grace Parish, Beverly Hills, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2020, in his native Philippines. Mr. Belgica was preceded in death by his wife, Trinidad, who passed away last October. Mr. Belgica is survived by his […]

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Theresa (Terry) Pellegrino, 100, mother of Monsignor Joseph Pellegrino, Pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs, passed away in the Lord on Palm Sunday, April 5, 2020, while under Hospice care in Palm Harbor.    Mrs. Pellegrino is preceded in death by her loving husband Henry […]

The Chancellor’s Office received the news that Mr. Harry McAteer, brother of retired priest Rev. James McAteer, passed away on March 10, 2020, in Ireland. He died peacefully with his family, including Father McAteer, with him. Beloved husband of Catherine and dear father of Bernard, John, Martin and James. He will be sadly missed by […]

Marjorie Ann Ridenour, 98, mother of David Ridenour, Tribunal Coordinator, passed away on Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Annandale, Virginia, following a brief illness.  Mrs. Ridenour was a long-time member of St. John Vianney Parish, St. Pete Beach. A Funeral Mass is scheduled to take place on Friday, March 27, 2020 at St. Ambrose, Annandale, […]

We received the news of the passing of Sister Barbara Joseph, OSF, on Sunday, March 8, 2020 at St. Joseph Hospital, Tampa. Wake will be Tuesday, March 10th from 4:30 – 5:30 pm at St Elizabeth Convent, 3000 N Perry Ave, in Tampa, followed by a funeral Mass. + May her soul and the souls […]

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office that Reverend Rodney Kissinger, S.J., 104, a retired member of the Society of Jesus, Central and Southern Province, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 7, 2020. Father Kissinger was born on June 14, 1915 and enjoyed 66 years of priestly ministry and nearly 78 years as a member of […]

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed that Mrs. Joyce Louise Brown, 88, mother of Reverend Stephan Brown, S.V.D., Pastor of St. Joseph Parish, St. Petersburg, passed away in the Lord early Friday morning, February 28, 2020, at her home in Atlanta, Georgia. Funeral arrangements are as follows: A Divine Liturgy for the Faithful Departed will […]

December 21, 1927 – February 27, 2020 Reverend Nino G. Viviano, a retired priest of the Diocese of Alexandria, Louisiana, passed away in the Lord on Thursday, February 27, 2020, at his long-time residence in Clearwater. Father Viviano was born in St. Louis, Missouri and was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Alexandria […]

March 30, 1937 – February 21, 2020Reverend Francis (Frank) Burshnick, S.C.J., 82, a retired member of the Priests of the Sacred Heart, passed away unexpectedly on Friday morning, February 21, 2020, at the Sacred Heart Residence, in Pinellas Park, where he has resided since October 2007.During his 12-plus years in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, […]

Mr. Bernard P. (Bernie) Schneider, 83, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2020.  Mr. Schneider was a teacher at Bishop Barry High School, St. Petersburg from 1964 to 1973.  He also served in the Stewardship Office for the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1972 to 1983, after which he served in the same capacity in […]

Mrs. Carol Ann Young, 65, wife of Mr. Terry Young, Director of Cemeteries for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020. Mrs. Young is survived by her husband and high school sweetheart, Terry, along with four children, ten grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters and extended family members.  A memorial service […]

Birth: March 27, 1936 Religious Profession: September 8, 1957 Death: February 10, 2020 We sadly announce to all of you the passing of Brother Joseph V. Tortorici, SDB in the early morning of Monday, February 10, 2020. Visitation will be held at Mary Help of Christians Church in Tampa, Florida on Wednesday, February 12, 2020 […]

January 1, 1943 – February 3, 2020Monsignor Gerard M. (“Father Gerry”) Finegan, 77, a retired priest of the Diocese of Venice, passed away in the Lord on February 3, 2020, surrounded by his sisters and close friends. Prior to the establishment of the Diocese of Venice in 1984, Monsignor Finegan assisted in the Diocese of […]

We sadly inform the passing of Mr. Paul D. Ortelli, Jr., 58, brother of Mrs. Tammie Laurito, Payroll Manager at the Pastoral Center, St. Petersburg.  He passed away at home on Monday, January 27, 2020. Mr. Ortelli is survived by his loving wife Brenda, daughters Jessica Velez (Rey), Stephanie Dangerfield (Gary) and Shannen Walker (Derrick), […]

The Chancellor’s Office has been notified of the death of Mrs. Mary Carruthers, 95, mother of Monsignor Michael Carruthers, Parochial Administrator of Resurrection Parish, Riverview, late Monday evening, January 27, 2020, while under Hospice care at Bon Secours Place, St. Petersburg.  She had experienced a rapid decline in health since last August. Mrs. Carruthers was […]

November 30, 1922 – January 23, 2020 The Chancellor’s Office was recently informed of the death of Monsignor Thaddeus Malanowski, 97, a retired priest of the Diocese of Norwich, on Thursday January 23, 2020, while under nursing care in New Canaan, Connecticut. He resided in the Diocese of St. Petersburg from 1979 to 2007, during […]

Deacon Julio Vazquez, 72, passed away on Wednesday, January 22, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Elsie, of 33 years. Deacon Vazquez was ordained for the Diocese of Hartford, Connecticut, on June 13, 1992 and moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in March, 1999.  He was assigned to Incarnation Parish in Tampa until […]

We are sad to announce that Deacon Rudolph “Rudi” Fernandes, 70, passed away on Friday, January 24, 2020. He is survived by his wife, Queenie, of 38 years. Deacon Fernandes was ordained for the Diocese of St. Petersburg on October 19, 2013 and assigned to St. Ignatius of Antioch in Tarpon Springs. In September 2014, […]

Deacon Frank Chiappetta, 84 passed away on Friday, January 17, 2020. He is survived by his wife Doris, of 62 years. Deacon Chiappetta was ordained for the Diocese of Bridgeport on June 13, 1981 and moved to the Diocese of St. Petersburg in June 2014, where he was assigned to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Parish, […]

Word has been received of the death of Sister Alice Belanger, RC, 90, on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Sister Alice was a long time resident of St. Petersburg, most recently living at the Fountains in St. Petersburg.  She was employed by St. Mary Our Lady of Grace Parish, St. Petersburg, from 1982 to 2004, and […]

The Chancellor’s Office was notified of the passing of Reverend Paul Mizener, 82, a retired priest of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, on Saturday, December 28, 2019, at Countryside Lakes Assisted Living Facility, Port Orange, Florida, following a lengthy illness. He had resided at Countryside Lakes since 2014. Father Mizener was one of five children born […]

Mrs. Carol Ann Russell, 84, passed away in the Lord on Monday, December 30, 2019, at St. Anthony’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, following a lengthy decline in health.  She was the mother of Mrs. Heidi Varley, Assistant Director of our diocesan Office of Vocations and Mrs. Marie Reed, a fifth-grade teacher at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School, […]

Mrs. Mary Lou Goldych, 84, of St. Petersburg, died Sunday, December 15, 2019.  Mrs. Goldych retired from the Diocese on July 2004. She worked as the Secretary of the Catholic Formation and Education Office from November 1995 until her retirement in 2004. She was born on December 20, 1934, in Matawan, New Jersey, to Mary […]

The Chancellor’s Office has been informed of the death of Mr. Arogyam Anthony, 79, stepfather of Reverend Edison Bernavas, I.C., Pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish, Seffner.   Mr. Anthony passed away on December 10, 2019, in Trivandrum, Kerala, India. He is survived by his wife, Elthrow, six children, including Father Bernavas, and eleven grandchildren. […]

The Chancellor’s Office was recently notified of the passing of Reverend Paul Andre Grauls, S.D.B., 84, Saturday morning, November 30, 2019, at Suncoast Care Center, St. Petersburg.  For the past year, he was under nursing care at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg.  Before his transfer to Maria Manor, Father Grauls lived with his fellow […]

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office regarding the death of Mrs. Amy E. Lounsbury on November 19, 2019. Mrs. Lounsbury was former Director of Transfiguration Early Childhood Center, St. Petersburg. She is survived by husband, Douglas, two boys, Nathaniel and Jonathan, parents and sisters. Funeral arrangements have not been made public. Please keep her family […]

Word has reached the Chancellor’s Office regarding the death of Reverend John Joseph Braun, M. Afr., 88, on Monday, November 11, 2019, at Bon Secours Maria Manor, St. Petersburg, following a major stroke. Prior to his hospitalization and transfer to nursing care, Father Braun (aka “Father Joe”) lived with his fellow Missionaries of Africa at […]