Archpriest Alexander Padlo, after a brief illness, fell asleep in the Lord August 2, 2022, only a few days after his 87th birthday. He faithfully served in the holy priesthood for just one month shy of 50 years. To those who knew him and loved him, he was a man of prayer and great kindness and empathy.
He was born to a Carpatho-Rusyn family July 29th, 1935, in Manville, NJ to Lazar and Magdalena Padlo. One of 8 children, he was baptized at Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in Manville, NJ, and was the first member of that Church in its long history to enter the priesthood. He is survived by his sisters, Ann Nolan, Dorothy Liscio, and Sonya Karney and predeceased by his sister Mary, brothers William, Nicholas, and Vladimir (Pat). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
Drafted into the Army in 1958, he honorably served his country, stationed in Germany acting as company clerk. Upon his honorable discharge from the service, in 1964, he turned his attention to his studies, first at Rutgers and earning a Bachelor of Arts in History from Iona College and an M.Div. from Saint Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (where he served as Ecclesiarch to Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann) in 1970.
Ordained a deacon by Bishop Dmitri on September 14, 1972, he was subsequently ordained to the priesthood on September 30, 1972, by Archbishop Vasile of Brussels at Saint Vladimir’s Seminary Chapel, Crestwood, NY. For the next nearly 50 years he served at various Churches including, Saints Peter and Paul in Moundsville, WV, Saints Cyril and Methodius in Bellaire, OH, and All Saints Church in Wolf Run, Ohio. He also served for a while as the dean of the Ohio Valley Deanery. Finally, he was assigned to Saints Peter and Paul Church in Miami, FL continuing to serve there even after his retirement. Upon leaving Saints Peter and Paul in 2016, he took up residence at St. Herman of Alaska’s rectory in Lake Worth, FL (becoming something of a Pastor Emeritus and beloved member of the community, still serving nearly every liturgy with the rectors of the parish up until two weeks before his repose).
He was known by his deep faith, his keen sense of humor, his love of animals (just ask his beloved dog Astraia), and his gentleness and humility. As one friend recently said, “He may have been small in stature, but his heart was huge.” He will be missed and he is loved.
The schedule of services for Father Alexander’s funeral is as follows. His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth will Preside.
Tuesday, August 9
Saint Mary’s Antiochian Orthodox Church
1317 Florida Mango Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33406
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM Visitation
6:30 PM Funeral Service
Wednesday, August 10
Saint Herman’s Orthodox Church
7099 S. Military Trail, Lake Worth, FL 33463
10:00 AM Memorial Divine Liturgy with a mercy meal to follow.
May Father Alexander’s memory be eternal!