Mark Bernard "Chop" Madonia

Mark Bernard Madonia, known by Chop to so many in Tallahassee , passed away in the early hours on April 9th. He was a bona fide man. He was a giving man. He was honest, and he was loyal. Mark touched many lives with his good-heartedness and folks responded to his down to earth nature. Mark had the pleasure to grow up surrounded by six chattering sisters and 2 brothers in a busy household led by a tiny tempest of a mother, who was selfless and caring and ran a surprisingly tight ship, considering the many personalities that ran amok during the teen years. Somehow his father managed to keep everyone in line. Although Chop was born in Baldwin, NY he truly became a Florida boy, having spent some years in Titusville, FL before moving here to Tallahassee with the rest of the brood in 1972, at aged 15. While several of the siblings made their way out of North Florida, Mark loved living here and never left. He cultivated a fun group of friends and was perfectly happy spending his days in the woods and on the river. His love of sports was well known and his bachelor pad, a tree house in the woods, was filled at the weekends with friends as they celebrated the all-American love of competitive games. An early marriage, to his former wife, the lovely Donna Leggett ..., produced a remarkable daughter, Jessica Lynn, who was by his side throughout his illness, every step of the way. Mark spent years in the ceiling tile business, eventually owning his own company, Chop’s Acoustical Ceiling. We can proudly say that many a small restaurant and local business has his handiwork displayed and he enjoyed a loyal following of contractors who trusted, implicitly, Mark’s high standard or work. Instinctively Mark knew he was ready to retire from the ceiling business and had begun to spend more time in his woodworking shop, turning out beautifully crafted and unique pieces and was happy to provide special pieces to his local sisters. The dark clouds of cancer gathered for our dear brother in August, 2017, with the family and friends of Chop coming together to hold tightly to him. Silver linings appeared- the closeness of family, opportunities to work with caring health professionals, the challenges of staying positive, and the undeniable fact that we are all in this together. Mark has his siblings, Michelle, Christine (Chuck), Louise, Corinne (David), Richard (deceased), Susan and the twins, Michael (Kelly) & Denise holding him close to their hearts. His daughter Jessica continues his legacy. He leaves many cousins who have always held their uncle Chop in the highest regard. Mark's parents, Ron and Marthè Madonia, have both passed. Very special, warm thanks to Donna and Dora, Todd, Joey, Sean, Boyd and Sharon for sticking close by to assist and to comfort. Mark was under the care of Dr V. Bhanderi and the Cancer Center staff as well as Dr Chung and Fl Radiation Oncology staff. We are very grateful... Our heartfelt gratitude goes to the wonderful services of Big Bend Hospice and their angels on duty. Donations in Mark’s name are welcome there. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home in Tallahassee (850/385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Madonia family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Mark Bernard "Chop" Madonia

May 26, 1957 - April 9, 2018