Remembering Father Fred Zagone, SJ
Remembering Father Fred Zagone, SJ
Board President, Dismas Ministry
It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our Board President, Father Fred Zagone, SJ, who died peacefully on March 10, 2026, surrounded by family and his Jesuit brothers.
Father Fred served Dismas Ministry with profound faith, wisdom, and pastoral care. His leadership helped guide our mission to bring the Word of God and a message of hope to our brothers and sisters who are incarcerated. He believed deeply in the dignity of every person and in the power of faith to transform lives.
Those of us who had the privilege of working alongside Father Fred witnessed firsthand his compassion, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to serving others. Even during his own illness, he remained present to the ministry and to the people he loved. His quiet strength and faithful witness inspired all of us.
Father Fred often reminded us that the work of prison ministry is about recognizing Christ in every person. His example will continue to guide Dismas Ministry as we carry forward the mission he cared about so deeply.
While we mourn his passing, we give thanks for the gift of his life, his priesthood, and his generous service to the Church and to Dismas Ministry.
A Life of Service
Father Fred Zagone, SJ lived his vocation with humility and dedication. As a Jesuit priest, he devoted his life to serving the Church, accompanying others in their faith journeys, and living out the call to love and serve God in all things.
He shared his gifts generously within the Marquette University community and in many ministries that touched the lives of others. At Dismas Ministry, his pastoral presence and thoughtful leadership strengthened our work and encouraged us to remain faithful to our mission of bringing hope to those who often feel forgotten.
His life reflected the Jesuit spirit of service for the greater glory of God.
A Prayer of Gratitude
Loving God,
We thank you for the life of your servant, Father Fred Zagone.
In his generous “yes” to your call, he became a brother and companion to many.
Receive him now into the fullness of your presence.
Comfort those who mourn him, strengthen our hope in the promise of the resurrection,
and grant us the grace to live with the same generosity and faithfulness that marked his life.
Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
A Shepherd for the Forgotten
Father Fred Zagone believed deeply that no one is forgotten in the eyes of God. Through his leadership at Dismas Ministry, he supported the mission of bringing Scripture, prayer, and spiritual encouragement to individuals who are incarcerated across the country.
He reminded us that prison ministry is about recognizing the dignity of every person and sharing the hope of Christ with those who may feel unseen or forgotten.
His faith, humility, and pastoral presence will continue to inspire our work and our commitment to serving our brothers and sisters behind bars.
A Personal Message from the Executive Director
The loss of Father Fred Zagone is deeply personal for me. He was not only the president of our board, he was also my friend and one of my greatest supporters.
Father Fred was a constant force for good within Dismas Ministry. He offered guidance, encouragement, and wisdom whenever it was needed. In many ways, he was my biggest cheerleader. His belief in our mission and in the work we are doing gave me strength and confidence as we continued to grow this ministry.
Beyond his leadership, Father Fred was simply a wonderful human being. He had a genuine love of life and a gift for making people feel supported and cared for. He was someone you could turn to for thoughtful advice, honest conversation, or simply to share a moment of laughter. And yes, he always appreciated sharing a good martini.
He will be greatly missed by all of us at Dismas Ministry, but his friendship will be especially missed by me. I am deeply grateful for the time we shared and for the many ways he strengthened this ministry and the people within it.
May he rest in the peace of Christ.
Juliann Joerres
Executive Director
