He was a singular figure in the diaconate community of Trenton and in Catholic journalism and communications. Thanks to Tom McDonald (soon to be Deacon Tom McDonald!) for sending this my way. The photo above shows Deacon Donadieu, on the right, assisting at the episcopal ordination of David M. O’Connell in 2010. (Photo: Craig Pittelli)
From The Trenton Monitor:
Joseph M. Donadieu, a permanent deacon of 40 years and veteran editor of The Monitor, died May 8 in Virtua Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Camden. He was 81.
Funeral services will be held May 13 in Sacred Heart Church, 103 Fourth St., Riverton. Visitation will be from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at which time a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Burial will be in St. Ignatius Cemetery, Yardley, Pa.
Deacon Donadieu was born in 1943 in Philadelphia. He held a bachelor’s degree in political science from La Salle University, Philadelphia, and a master’s degree in political science from Duquesne University, Pittsburgh. He pursued doctoral studies in Government and Western European Studies at the University of Notre Dame, South Bend, Ind., and further graduate studies in theology at La Salle University.
Ordained in 1984 by Bishop John C. Reiss in St. Mary of the Assumption Cathedral, Trenton, Deacon Donadieu served his diaconal ministry from 1984 to 1992 in St. Joseph Parish, Beverly, and since 1993 had served in Sacred Heart Parish, Riverton.
He was editor of the diocesan newspaper, The Monitor, from 1978 to 2008. During that time, he also served for 10 years as diocesan director of communications. Following his retirement from The Monitor in 2008, he continued to work as assistant director in the diocesan Office of the Diaconate.
At the time of his retirement, Deacon Donadieu reflected on his diocesan and parish ministries, saying what he found most fulfilling was in helping people to come to know Jesus.
“It has been my honor and privilege to serve the people of Sacred Heart Parish in liturgical ministry and in the parish Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults process. It has been my privilege as well to work with the deacons and priests of the Diocese through our Office of the Diaconate, where I helped men prepare to be deacons and to be humble, holy men of service to God and his people.”
Eternal rest, grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him …
Well done, good and faithful servant.
