Daniel P. Madonna III, 78, of Kennett Square, died Friday, Dec. 29, at his home surrounded by his family. Born in West Chester, he was a son of the late Daniel P. Madonna II and the late Ella (Dwyer) Madonna; and husband to Janice (Hostetler) Madonna, with whom he shared 58 years of marriage.
Danny was a lifelong resident of Kennett Square. He and Janice owned and operated his family’s business, Madonna Custom Cleaners, then Madonna Balloons and Cakes before retiring in 1999.
During the 1970s and ‘80s, Danny volunteered in the community through his work with the Southern Chester County Rescue Association (Rescue 71), where he proudly served in the offices of secretary, president, and chief. Rescue 71 later merged services with the Kennett Fire Co. #1 and Danny was granted the honor of lifetime member distinction. He and the late Tony Talamonti co-chaired the Independence Day Celebration Committee and were instrumental in establishing fireworks displays for Kennett Square and the surrounding communities.
After retirement, Danny was known around town as the “Barber Shop Man.” He was a fixture at Burton’s Barber Shop where he helped with various tasks, distributed bubblegum to kids and contributed to lively discussions. Bob Burton and Danny met at the age of 4, and we are deeply grateful for that lifelong friendship.
As many know, Danny was the proud recipient of a heart transplant 16-and-a-half years ago. Known as “The Legend” at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, he participated in a trial through which he became the first patient to receive infusion treatments at home while waiting for his transplant.
Danny was loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him and he will not soon be forgotten. Quick-witted and always ready with a joke, a smile, and a wave hello, he was a friend to everyone – eager to share the accomplishments of his family, both big and small, with all he encountered. Danny was, above all other things, a family man.
In addition to his wife Janice, he is survived by sons Daniel P. Madonna IV and his wife Audrey of Exton, Stephen Madonna and his wife Jana of Toughkenamon; three daughters, Tina Katella and her husband Dan of Kutztown, Kim Dunn and her husband Steve of West Grove, and Stacy Madonna of Kennett Square; 12 grandchildren, Melissa, Emily, DJ, Leslie and her husband Matt, Jennifer, Jacquelyne, Joshua, Jonathan, Christopher, Kayla, David, and Matthew; one great-granddaughter, Addison; one sister, Marlene McDonough of Kennett Square; one brother, Edward J. Madonna of Philadelphia; and many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to extend thanks to the doctors and nurses at The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and the staff of Neighborhood Visiting Nurses and Neighborhood Hospice for all the loving care they have provided over the years.
You are invited to visit with Danny’s family on Thursday, Jan. 4, from 2–4 p.m. and 7–9 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Kuzo & Grieco Funeral Home, Inc, (610-444-4116) 250 W. State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, Jan. 5, at 11 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 212 Meredith Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348. Interment immediately following at St. Patrick Cemetery.
Contributions in his memory may be made to The Clyde F. Barker Penn Transplant House, 3940 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104, Attention: Kirsten King. Please note Daniel P. Madonna, III in the memo area. To view Danny’s online tribute and to share a memory with his family, please visit www.griecocares.com
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