JOE DONATO Obituary

Joe Donato left us for the glory of heaven on December 23, 2017, at 87 years old. He led a remarkable life as an entertainer, evangelist, chaplain, and author. Joe won the largest radio talent show in the United States performing voice impersonations and opening for the Three Stooges. His dramatic flair and sense of adventure allowed him to share The Gospel around the world, living in Africa and India while raising money for orphanages. Joe loved the beach, gardening, cooking, and his family. His great sense of humor and positive attitude will be missed by all. A Celebration Service will be held at The Rehab Center of Fresno, 1665 M Street, on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at 2:30 p.m.

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Published by Fresno Bee on Feb. 18, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for JOE DONATO

16 Entries

Tim Berends

February 18, 2025

Joe, I just learned that you´re Home with the Lord! I´m 79 and Dad died of Alzheimer´s at 83 and Mom died of Dementia at 86 so I might have heard earlier but I want to say what a blessing you were to me and all the listeners to Mornings with Tim and Al on KBRT in SoCal. I´m looking forward to seeing you soon! I´m going into Mosques on Friday afternoons here in Vegas and giving the Muslims who are kneeling in prayer a copy of the Chick tract "Allah had no Son." God really used you to reach many souls Joe! Praise His Holy Name!

Ernie Serrano

December 5, 2023

I was in the middle of doing 22+ yrs on a life sentence I was serving. I was in solitary confinement doing an indeterminate SHU term when Brother Joe reached me. At the time I was considered one of the worst individuals. Joe not only opened me up spiritually (and helped me find Christ) but he shared wisdom that altered the paradigm in which I saw life because of him I was able to earn my way back out to society after 31 yrs in prison. Now I live a life giving back to my community!

Gary Frazier

July 19, 2021

I am sad to see that Bro. Joe Donato has gone home to be with the Lord. I, first, met Joe in the summer of 1980 and, later, saw him again, while I was a Bible college student, in Dallas, TX.

He was always nice to me.

Louis Warren

March 13, 2020

I had great respect for this man after hearing his testimony. Hes at home with our Lord and Savior now.

Jennifer Donato

March 11, 2019

My dear Uncle, I had no idea you had passed. When I found this I was heartbroken. You were the only person who ever believed me when I told my story of seeing an angel in person as a child. I miss your funny ways and wish we had a last visit before you left this Earth. May you rest in peace.

Dawn Satsuma

February 20, 2019

I met Joe in South Africa in the 80s..what an inspiration. He was so humble and we would correspond with each other. I remember asking Holy Spirit what to send him for Christmas and was told to send Tabac aftershave set. I thought it strange, but when he received it he said he had run out of it a while before and was wondering how he could get it as it was from South Africa...yay!!
Will miss him and look forward to seeing him in Heaven.

Natalia Anna Maria Naples

September 9, 2018

He was and is one of God's most perfect lights of Love. Just his being was comforting for a teacher, pastor, and friend.

Dee Roux

July 29, 2018

Hi its an amazing story how I came across brother Joe's two preaching tapes. It added so much value to my Christian walk and love for our Jesus Christ..I was born in a Muslim family in South Africa and I must acknowledge listing to the same two audio tapes over 30-40 times got me excited about the kingdom life and our position as ambassador for Christ on earth. He became a spiritual dad to a son that I never had . I love brother Joe, I was truly enriched by life lived In Christ. Dee

Bubbles Swanepoel

June 9, 2018

Only fond memories of your stay with us here in South Africa in 1997 will always cherish our time together. Dennis, Bubbles Swanepoel

Walt & Karen Oliver

February 26, 2018

We only knew you through Karen but know that you were in service and will be missed.

Casey Smith

February 25, 2018

Thank you Joe for being a friend to me without condition. Thank you for inspiring me with your life, your book and your heart for ministry. Your humor was contagious, as was your personality. Thank you for attending the March for Jesus in Victorville California in the mid 90's that I had the honor of organizing. Congratulations on running the race my brother!!!

February 24, 2018

I met you once, Joe. I was introduced by my father Ruben Nuñez. I still have your book that I read some time ago. Rest in Peace and if you happen to see my Dad that passed on in Aug, 2017, give him a hug from me and may you both have a great time together on the other side. ~Debra Franco

Atanacio Delgado

February 23, 2018

You will be remembered my friend. I'm sorry we didnt get to say so long. Thank you for your time with me. I will always cherish it.

February 21, 2018

Our condolences to the family. May God fulfill his promise of binding up the brokenhearted. Isa 61:1,2

Norma Jay

February 20, 2018

Joe Donato, Our Christian Brother, What an inspiration you were to everyone.

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