Msgr. David Dacian Dee

DEE, Rev. Msgr. David Dacian 91, of Largo, FL died May 21, 2022. He was born in Yonkers, NY and was ordained for the Capuchin Franciscan Order on June 24, 1956. After ordination, he continued his education and was awarded a Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.) degree from the Catholic University of America, in Washington, D.C. in 1960. During his years with the Capuchins, he taught Canon Law, Moral Theology and Medical Ethics in NY. From 1970 to 1976, he served as Minister Provincial for his Province after which he was appointed Director of the Capuchin Mission Office.

In 1982, Msgr. Dee came to the Diocese of St. Petersburg, FL where he served as a Tribunal Judge and later Judicial Vicar, an office which he held from 1987 to 2007. He was incardinated into the Diocese of St Petersburg in 1984 and served in several parishes, including as pastor of St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish, Tarpon Springs and St. Cecelia Parish, Clearwater, FL. In 1999, he was appointed as Prelate of Honor of His Holiness by Pope John Paul II and was granted the honorary title of Monsignor. In recent years, Msgr. Dee resided at St. Jerome Catholic Church, Largo.

Msgr. Dee was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas G and Margaret (Smith) Dee; sisters, Jo Ann Allison and Mary Alice Swantek. He is survived by his brother, Edward (Betty) Dee; nieces and nephews, Peg Williams, Michele (Joe) Dadabo, Raymond “Chip” (Kim) Allison, Karen (Craig) Cardozo, John "Jack" Swantek, James Swantek, David (Aundria) Dee, Elizabeth “Lisa” (Thomas) Stanton and Thomas (Christina) Dee; many grandnieces, grandnephews,great grandnieces, and great grandnephews and brother in law, John Swantek.

The Reception of Msgr. Dee’s body will be 4 pm followed by a viewing until 8 pm with vigil service at 7 pm, Thursday, May 26, 2022 at St Jerome Catholic Church, 10895 Hamlin Blvd., Largo, FL 33774. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated 11 am Friday, May 27th at St. Jerome Catholic Church. Entombment will follow at Serenity Gardens Memorial Park, Largo. Please visit www.gardensanctuaryfunerals.com to place a tribute or memory in his honor.