Donadio

Rev. Patrick J. Donadio, the first director of U.S. MAPS ministry, passed away unexpectedly Sunday at his son's home in Virginia. Donadio was 72.

Donadio, who was a gang member while growing up in Schenectady, New York, was radically saved during a revival. He would go on to attend Pinecrest Bible Institute in Salisbury Center, New York; Philadelphia College of the Bible; Northeast Bible Institute (now Valley Forge Christian College in Phoenixville) Pennsylvania; and, after marrying Ruth (Spuler) in April 1962, would continue his Bible education at Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri. In June 1965, Pat was ordained by the Alaska District and the Donadios would then minister in Alaska for more than 20 years as nationally appointed AG home (now U.S.) missionaries, planting churches among the native people.

In 1986, Lamar Headley, MAPS coordinator, and Bill Strickland, MAPS Construction, invited Donadio to be a part of the MAPS (Mobilization and Placement Service) ministry. In 1991, MAPS was divided into a World Missions MAPS (Missions Abroad Placement Service) and Home Missions MAPS (Mission America Placement Service) arm, with Donadio being appointed to lead the Home Missions MAPS effort, where he served until 2001. Under his leadership, the RV Volunteers (RVers) ministry would blossom, with some 1,200 men and women joining and traveling cross-country to help build AG churches, campgrounds, Teen Challenge centers and other church venues and save these ministry centers millions of dollars in labor costs. In 2001, Donadio began service with AG World Missions and continued to minister in several capacities until his passing.

"It still baffles the minds of many people," Pat Donadio frequently remarked, "how individuals who have earned retirement are willing to sacrifice their time, talents and finances to work on churches and various projects. Totally free."

Donadio is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ruth, as well as their two adult children, Dale (Angela) and Doreen (Robert) Kelley.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Greenlawn East of Springfield, Missouri. The funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 24, at Central Assembly of God, 1301 N. Boonville, in Springfield.