Father Thomas Donio, 72, former Hammonton pastor, died Feb. 8.
Born in Hammonton, Father Donio studied for the priesthood at Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, N.Y. He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop James T. McHugh on May 20, 1995.
His first assignment was as parochial vicar of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, Absecon, where he served from 1995 to 2000. He also served as parochial vicar at Saint Mary, Williamstown (2000-2003), and Saint Thomas More, Cherry Hill (2003-2005).
In 2005, he became administrator of Nativity, Franklinville. The next year, he was named pastor at the parish, where he remained until 2009.
Father Donio was priest convener in the merging of Saint Anthony of Padua, Saint Martin de Porres and Saint Joseph, all in Hammonton. When Saint Mary of Mount Carmel was established in 2010 from these three, he became the parish’s first pastor.
He remained there until 2016, when he became chaplain at Ancora Psychiatric Hospital in Winslow.
A viewing will be held 9:30-11 a.m. on Feb. 14 at Saint Mary of Mount Carmel Parish, Saint Anthony Church, 285 Route 206, Hammonton. A Mass of Christian Burial will immediately follow. Burial will be private.
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