Dr. Ralph F. Madonna, age 87, of Marco Island, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026. He was born on February 24, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, where he spent his early years before building a life rooted in family, service, and community.
Dr. Madonna was a proud graduate of Loyola School of Dentistry and practiced dentistry in Wood Dale, Illinois, for more than 35 years. Serving patients in his hometown was a source of great pride, and he was well known for his professionalism, compassion, and dedication to those he served.
In 1961, he married Dorrie in Chicago, beginning a lifelong partnership marked by devotion, love, and deep family pride. He was a devoted husband for 64 years and a loving father who took immense joy in his family.
Dr. Madonna enjoyed golfing, boating, and enthusiastically supporting his Chicago sports teams. He especially loved attending major sporting events, including the Chicago Cubs World Series and Chicago Blackhawks Stanley Cup games, experiences he cherished deeply.
Active in civic life, Dr. Madonna served his community with distinction. He was involved in local politics in Wood Dale, serving on the planning commission and as an Alderman. He coached basketball at Holy Ghost School and later continued his commitment to service on Marco Island, where he served as president of several homeowners associations. He was actively involved in the Italian American Society of Marco Island and proudly served as its President. A man of faith, he was a member of the Knights of Columbus at San Marco Catholic Church and shared his love of music by singing in both church and community choruses.
Dr. Madonna was known for his great sense of humor and his genuine love of people. He had a natural ability to relate to others and found joy in spending time with family and friends. He was especially proud of his daughter, Mary Beth, for becoming a pediatric surgeon, an accomplishment that brought him immense happiness.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Dorrie; his daughter, Mary Beth; his brother, Ronald (Peggy); and his sister, Marie (Eric) Wurtel. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Marie Madonna, and his siblings, Gayle and Robert Madonna.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Italian American Society of Marco Island, P.O. Box 966, Marco Island, FL 34146 (please note “Scholarship Fund – Madonna” on checks), or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
