Ralph Joseph Donadio

Ralph Joseph Donadio, 83 passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014, surrounded by his loving family. Mr. Donadio was born August 23, 1931, in Augusta, he was the son of the late Ralph P. and Ruth (Haggerty) Donadio. He resided in Wantage for 55 years before moving to Frankford in 1986.

Mr. Donadio served in the United States Navy from 1950-1954, where he fought in the Korean Conflict. He was the founder and owner of Petro-Mechanics Inc. of Lafayette. Mr. Donadio started the company in 1968 and worked up until the time of his death. Mr. Donadio was a very respected businessman and mentor to all.

Mr. Donadio was very involved in the High Point Midget Football Club in the late 1960s. He also served on the High Point Regional Board of Education and was a member of the Branchville Businessman’s Club.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Donadio was predeceased by his wife of 37 years, Patricia (Nieskens) Donadio in 1994 and a son Bradford S. Donadio in 1985. He is surived by his son, Glenn Donadio and his wife, Judy, of Wantage; grandchildren, Kyle, Alyssa and Alayna also of Wantage; brother Robert Donadio and his wife, Janet, of Sandyston; sister-in-law, Marie Vander Wende of Florida and his Swedish daughter, Margareta Rostedt, an exchange student who lived with him and his family from 1979-1980. Mr. Donadio is also survived by his friend, Jean Gorrell of Swartswood, who’s love, compassion and beautiful soul will always be remembered and appreciated by his family. As well, he is survived by several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Mr. Donadio’s life will be held Monday Dec. 15, 2014, at 10:30 a.m. at Ferguson Funeral Home, 27 Third St., Sussex. Private cremation will follow. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 & 7-9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Bradford S. Donadio Scholarship Fund c/o High Point Regional High School, 299 Pigeon Hill Road, Wantage, NJ 07461 or to Karen Ann Quinlan Hospice 99 Sparta Ave. Newton, NJ 07860. For online condolences and directions, please see www.fergusonfuneralhomesnj.com.