Fr. David DeJulio
A graduate of the Class of 1976, Father DeJulio has earned this honor in the areas of professional achievement, outstanding service and contribution to society.
Former classmate Henry Wysocki shared his memories of Fr. DeJulio while at Columbia High School. He stated that “Dave was a friend to all of our over 400+ classmates from the class of 1976. Dave can be described as a calm, intelligent voice of reason for everyone. He was sought after for advice and counseling from many of our classmates. He never got angry and was always there to listen and just be a good friend. It was very evident that he would be successful in whatever career path he chose.”
Upon graduation from Columbia High School, Fr. DeJulio earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Finance from the University of South Florida. He went to work for Security First Federal Bank in St. Petersburg for two years. He worked his way up to Assistant Branch Manager, and was on a probable career path to Branch Manager when he left his banking career for the priesthood.
In 1985, he attended St. Mary Seminary in Roland Park, Baltimore for his pre-theology studies. He transferred to St Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in Boynton Beach, Florida. He received his Master’s Degree in Divinity in 1990, and was ordained a Priest of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of St. Petersburg, Florida.
Fr. DeJulio’s first assignment was to St. Paul’s Parish in St. Petersburg. After three years, he was transferred to St. Jerome’s Parish in Largo, Florida. In 1996, Fr. DeJulio was named Rector of the Cathedral Parish in St. Petersburg. This is the Church of the Bishop, and he was responsible for running this parish for seven years. During this time, Fr. DeJulio was named to the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher. This Order is responsible for the Shrines in the Holy Land. In 2003, Fr. DeJulio was assigned to St. Mark the Evangelist Parish in New Tampa, Florida, where he continues to minster and serve.
During his 25 year ministry, Fr. DeJulio has served many people in their various stages of life. He has worked with people suffering from HIV/AIDS at the Francis House for over five years. He is a member of the Rotary of Tampa and has served on various charitable boards. One of his great successes was the building of a new church for his congregation of 11,000 parishioners. This church is well known for its generosity to the poor. It also donates 10% of its offertory to education and charitable institutions on a monthly basis.
Nominator Henry Wysocki stated that Fr. DeJulio “has spent his life serving God and helping so many people of all walks of life. He has made the Class of 1976 extremely proud.” The East Greenbush Education Foundation is pleased to induct Fr. DeJulio into the Columbia High School Hall of Fame this evening. Unfortunately, he was unable to attend the Gala this evening because of his responsibilities to his parish. We will see that Fr. DeJulio receives his plaque and memorabilia, and we thank him for making a positive difference in this world. Please join me in a round of applause for Fr. DeJulio for all of his many accomplishments.