Lakewood Ranch pastor dies

The pastor of Our Lady of the Angels has died.

The Rev. Daniel P. Smith, was found at his residence Sunday when he did not arrive for a Sunday morning Mass. No further details regarding his passing are available at this time. He was 52.

“Of utmost importance at this time is that we all keep the soul of Father Dan in our prayers and remember him at the altar where he served His Savior. May he rest in peace!” The Rev. Frank J. Dewane, bishop for the Diocese of Venice, said in a letter notifying the Diocesan priests. “As we mourn the death of our brother priest, let us all remember his family.”

Ordained to the Priesthood on Oct. 22, 1999, Father Smith served at a number of parishes within the Diocese of Venice, including: Incarnation Parish in Sarasota, St.; Joseph the Worker Parish in Moore Haven; San Antonio Parish in Port Charlotte; and St. John the Evangelist Parish in Naples. He has been at Our Lady of the Angels Parish since 2011.

Details regarding funeral arrangements are pending and will be posted on the Diocese of Venice website at dioeseofvenice.org.