Obituaries
Joseph Madonna, 88
Joseph Madonna, 88 of Lancaster, PA passed away on Friday, December 14, 2012 at Hospice & Community Care in Lancaster surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Gasperina, Italy he was the son of the late Antonio Madonna and Maria Innocenza (Spadea) Madonna. He was married to Maria Rosina “Rose” (Spadea Anello) Madonna for over 58 years.
Joe proudly served in the US Army during WWII and participated in the Normandy campaign in Northern France. He went onto work for the Lancaster Local Union 520 as a pipe welder and retired from there after 50 years of service, and was currently a member for 65 years. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels for over 20 years, helped with St. Anne brown bag lunch program for ten years and also with the soup kitchen. He was active in playing in the Lancaster Bocce League and was a former member of the Italian American Citizens club and was a current member of the Lancaster Italian Culture Society. He was a little man with a big heart and was very generous towards the many organizations he volunteered with. He enjoyed gardening, following his grandchildren’s sporting activities, socializing with others, and discussing old war history. The family would like to thank Dr. Allan Davis and staff, Sandra Chester, Owner of Right at Home (personal caregiver and staff), LGH 8 Lime Oncology Unit, Medical Outpatient Unit and Hospice for the wonderful care given to Joe.
In addition to his loving wife, Rose, he is survived by his children, Mary Jane Lehman, wife of Bob Lehman, Tony Madonna, husband of Sharon, and Teresa Madonna ,companion of Dr. Stacey Mazzacco, all of Lancaster. Also surviving a sister, Elizabeth Gallello of Lancaster and 4 grandchildren: Andrew, husband of Sarah, of Houston, TX, Matthew, Erica and Robert, all of Lancaster. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews and his extended family members in Italy. He was preceded in death by his 2 brothers, Dominic and Anthony Madonna and one sister, Angela Rubino.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11AM on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, 929 N. Duke St., Lancaster, PA 17602 with Rev. Norman C. Hohenwarter as Celebrant. A viewing will be at the Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 from 6-8PM with the recitation of the Holy Rosary at 8PM and a viewing again on Wednesday at the funeral home from 9:15-10:15AM. Interment in St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors accorded by the RRVHG and the Vet 21 Gun Salute. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joe’s memory to St. Anne’s Catholic Church at the above address, Hospice & Community Care, PO Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604 or to the Meals on Wheels, 1085 Manheim Pike, Lancaster, PA 17601. To send the family online condolences, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder, Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory 717-560-5100
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Dear Madonna Family,
Your dad was good man, we liked him very much. We are glad he was able to be surrounded by his family in his final hours. May the wonderful memories you have of him help you during this difficult time.
Mark & Marianne Sheely
Joseph Madonna was a true gentleman and will be missed by all those who were fortunate enough to be greeted by him at the YMCA. It was fun to receive Joe’s personal inquires such as, "how’s Florida," and witness his cheery demeanor and outlook on life.
Roger Sandt
Dear Ones, I was so saddened to read of Joe’s passing in this morning’s paper. I got to know Joe as we worked together at the Local Polling Station up at Otterbein UMC. He had not worked there recently, but he was missed nevertheless. He and I had the opportunity to talk about many things while we were "manning" the polls. I heard about his time in the service, about his work as a pipe welder, but what came through the most was the love he had for his wife, his children and the grandchildren, especially – indeed, all of his family. Truly he was a little man with a (great) big heart and he will be missed by all. I am glad that I was able to make his acquaintance and to work side by side with him and to hear his colorful stories. Please accept my sincerest condolences on your loss and in closing, may I please share some words that have provided comfort to me at times such as this? … GOD in love has promised grace for every trial, strength for every sorrow, help for every mile, and may HE in sympathy and unfailing love impart help for each tomorrow and new courage to your heart … Cast your burdens upon the LORD,and HE shall sustain you; HE shall never allow the righteous to be moved … Cast all your cares upon HIM,for HE cares for you. Psalm 55:22, 1st Peter 5:7. May ALMIGHTY GOD comfort your lives and welcome Joe into HIS EVERLASTING ARMS, thru JESUS CHRIST our LORD. as ever, in HIM and HIM alone,
Fred Holler
Theresa, Tony, MaryJane and all the Madonna’s, Our heartfelt sympathy to your family at this time. Your Dad was a constant presence at St.Annes over the years and at the sporting events of his grandchildren at Manheim Township. You are all fortunate to have had him in your lives for such an impressive length of time….May your warm family memories get you through this holiday season and through the tough days ahead.
God Bless.
Steve & Mary(Muldowney) Dettinger and Family
Dear Mary Jane, Mrs. Madonna, Tony, Theresa and family – My sympathy to all of you. I have many fond memories of being in a home filled with love and laughter. I do remember Mr. Madonna as being a kind and gentle man, as is evidenced by his many hours of volunteering throughout his life. How proud you all must be of having shared him in your lives.
Memory Eternal!
Kathryn (Eckert) Wanenchak
