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Alex Madonna Obituary
Alex Madonna, whose highway construction, cattle ranches, philanthropy and world-famous Madonna Inn made him a legendary figure on the Central Coast and beyond, died Thursday, April 22, of an apparent heart attack. He was 85.
Madonna, the grandson of Swiss immigrants, befriended business colleagues, politicians, educators, employees and even actor John Wayne. He was a self-made man who loomed large in the public's consciousness. His easy sense of humor, fierce independence and, at times, dogged stubbornness further distinguished him.
He influenced hundreds of people and gave millions of dollars away quietly. For that he will be sorely missed, said relatives, friends and colleagues.
Besides the inn, his empire consisted of the Froom Ranch property where San Luis Obispo's Home Depot is located, Broadway Plaza shopping center in Santa Maria, and several thousand acres of property in San Luis Obispo County, including about 2,000 acres surrounding San Luis Mountain. He also owned cattle and horse ranches around California and Oregon.
Among ranchers, Madonna was often referred to as "the host from the coast."
Madonna's construction firm built or repaved most of Highway 101 from Salinas to south of Buellton, as well as about 70 miles of Highway 46 and Highway 41 from Cholame to Fresno. As well, Madonna had a hand in resurfacing much of Highway 1 between San Luis Obispo and Carmel.
The inn itself was a major achievement. Famous for its pink decor, themed rooms and whimsical waterfall urinal in the men's restroom, the Swiss
chalet-style hotel has welcomed
thousands of guests from around the world since its debut in December
1958. Madonna hosted hundreds of
dignitaries, such as NBC's Tom Brokaw, CBS "60 Minutes" creator Don
Hewitt, Washington Post columnist David Broder and former Associated Press President Lou Boccardi.
He put family, friends and community first, giving millions of dollars to organizations and schools. Madonna gave to the local county women's shelter, supported Catholic education and was a benefactor to Cal Poly students, hosting lunches every year honoring Cal Poly sports teams and athletes. He also supported the Cal Poly rodeo program and 4-H.
Survivors include his wife Phyllis; sister, LaVerne Osborne; daughters Cathie Twisselman, Karen Twisselman and Connie Pearce; son, John Madonna; grandchildren Caleb, Teale, Tara, Tristan, Sterling and Alexis Twisselman, Audrey and Dalton Pearce, and Serafina and Giovanna Madonna; sons-in-law Rowly and Tim Twisselman, and Clint Pearce; and daughter-in-law, Susan Madonna.
A rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 28, at Mission San Luis Obispo. A Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Thursday, April 29, at the church. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Women's Shelter Program of San Luis Obispo County, Hospice Partners of the Central Coast or Hospice of San Luis Obispo County. A special fund is also being established to create a scholarship or monument in Alex Madonna's memory for his many contributions to agriculture; those contributions can be mailed to Alex Madonna Memorial Fund, c/o Jo Ann Switzer, P.O. Box 302, Paso Robles, CA 93447.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Marcus Yoder Miller
February 16, 2021
I'm sorry for the loss. Mr. Madonna will be missed and is missed. Now for my childhood story. I was a very young boy and my parents took us for lunch to the Madonna Inn. I don't believe I was even yet ten years old (so more than 40 years ago).And I fell in love with the place.So here we are having lunch there and the other people in the cafe were a nice older couple whose portraits were hanging on the wall.It was Mr Madonna and his wife and being the precocious young man I was I walked up to them and told them how much I love their establishment and this and that. They smiled and shook my hand and said thank you. And that was all.And then a few moments later the young waitress waiting on us walked on over with a cake. It was a full round cake with my name on it only mine nobody else in the family and they gave this cake to me a chubby little 10 year old or however year old I was. they were the nicest people they were giggling and laughing and I I just enjoyed them very much. This story has a point because just a few days ago here it is 2021 now and my wife and I were going through San Luis Obispo and we decided to actually stay at the Madonna and she'd never been I sense of moved to Washington State out of California and so she's never seen the Madonna inn or heard of it She has now because I kept telling her about it. And so we stayed the night and it was fabulous It was just better than I could have imagined thank you very much for that and for not changing a thing in that hotel and I appreciate that. Mr Madonna you are missed.
sincerely Marcus Miller.
Maria Scherder
May 21, 2019
RIP thank you for the philanthropy you did and for making SLO what it is today
Sherrie Otten
May 9, 2004
Mrs. Madonna and family,
I was very saddened to hear of the loss of your husband,father and grandfather. I was born and raised in San Luis Obispo and worked at the Inn for a short time. I loved it.My Grandparents were friends with Mr. Madonna for many years.
I know the enormous heartbreak caused by your loss. Please try to take comfort in knowing that he was "Mr.San Luis Obispo" and loved by many,friend to most and respected by those who know him.
May his kindness to others come back to you,his family,many times over.
God bless you.
Sherrie Otten
Jacksonville, Florida
Lucille Orona
May 8, 2004
Dear Madonna Family,
Our Hearts are filled with sadness to hear of the passing of Alex.
As a young girl seeing The Madonna Inn from the Highway was a place I was facinated by. About two years ago I finally made reservations to stay. I was so impressed not only by the Inn and its history but by The Man , His Wife and The Family behind it, has given me and my family lots of Happy and unforgetable memories and much inspiration.
With Sincere Sympathy,
From The Orona Famiy
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Nadine Kent
May 3, 2004
Dear Madonna Family,
It was sad to hear of Mr. Madonna's passing. Mr. & Mrs. Madonna are very good friends with my grandparents, Manuel and Ida Avila. I grew up with the Madonna's attending round ups and Family parties at the Avila ranches, Grange Hall and at Madonna Inn. My grandparents always considered you part of our family. Mr. Madonna will be missed but his kind heart will always be remembered.
Nadine Malone-Kent
Pam Pickering
May 3, 2004
Mr. M. will remain fondly in my heart. His generosity and kindness will be a template for me to aspire to. On behalf of all of the Farm Supply Family, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Stan Halpin
May 2, 2004
On behalf of the Halpin and Mays families, I wish to send our condolensce, love and sympathy to Phyllis and family. Alex was a wonderful father and a great gentleman, and we shall never forget the many kindnesses and memories he provided to our family.
God bless you all.
Courtney Cardoza-Machado
April 29, 2004
I don't know the Madonna family well, but I know they have had a huge impact on our family and the cattle industry. His strong family values and closeness is always a delight to witness. He will always live here in San Luis Obispo, we will see him everyday as you pass by on HW 1. My prayers go out to the family, the whole lot of them. Thank you for making San Luis Obispo one of the most beautiful places on earth to live and raise our children and have your mountain and hotel as one of its finest land marks in history.
Mitch Laing
April 29, 2004
I grew up in SLO and Madonna Inn was a staple for us after SLOSH football games. Alex always kept the "tiny bubbles" music playing and the sodas flowing. We'd book rooms at The Inn on Prom nights for partys afterwards, but obviously were kept in check.
My brother worked for the road construction company and when Jim passed on 10 years ago Alex offered to handle arrangements for us if necessary, and put on a gathering afterwards without even being asked. It was round-up and branding time but he was there for our needs, even offering to assist other members of our family in health screenings so we could avoid the heart attack my brother had at 47.
This man lived and loved San Luis, leaving his mark in a far more positive way than a road on a mountain, the one we used to call Madonna Mountain for Mission's "M".
Rest in the Peace of God's Garden, I know there's some Pink there for you.
LORI MACHADO
April 29, 2004
MADONNA FAMILY,
MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALL. THIS IS A VERY HARD TIME FOR YOUR FAMILY. REMEMBER, HE WILL NEVER BE OUT OF YOUR MINDS AND THOUGHTS. I WISH YOU ALL THE BEST.
LORI MACHADO
RENO,NV.
Mary Lou Keyworth
April 29, 2004
We lived in SLO from 1980 - 2001. Our children were raised there and we have friends and family who remain there. It was through our association with Bishops Peak 4-H we first came to know of the generosity of Alex Madonna. But his true caring came when our daughter and a group of her friends had a dance/ singing group and Aex and Phyliss allowed them to perform at Madonna Inn for their enjoyment and to the thrill of our daughter and her friends. Alex you will be sorrowly missed.
Hanni Sanders
April 29, 2004
I am sorry to hear of Mr. Madonna's
passing. I met him at a Cal Poly rodeo, in 1994, when my son Paul Sanders rode for the team. Mrs. Madonna, I wish you all the best, its not easy loosing a loved one. I lost my husband of 39 yrs. a year ago. God Bless you and your family. Hanni Sanders
Roz Silberschein
April 28, 2004
To Mr. Madonna's Family and to our Friends at the Madonna Inn: We have celebrated New Years eve for the past 11 years at the Madonna Inn. Our grandson Cody, who always joined us literally grew up knowing Alex as his friend. We always sat at the same table and Alex would come over, with a warm and friendly welcome, asking "how do you like your food?" He cared so much about everyone! We are so deeply saddened by our loss of this wonderful man and we thank you, his beautiful family, for sharing him with all of us. New Year's will never be the same. We will keep him in our hearts and revel in the memories he gave us!
With much love, Roz, Morey and Cody Silberschein
Eade Family
April 28, 2004
Admired by many, disliked by few, always to be remebered and loved by all who knew better.
We feel greatful to have known him.
Eade Family
San Lucas, CA
Dorothy Atwood
April 27, 2004
Dear Phyliss
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Mr Madonna was a very special person.
Walter and I always knew how lucky we were to work at the Inn. Get to know and love you both and your lovely children.
Your loss is shared by so many of us. My Best to you and the family.
Sincerely,
Knights of Columbus John Mahan
April 27, 2004
The central coast is by far a better place thanks to the hardwork, love and caring by Alex. "May He Rest in Peace" for I am sure the Lord is enjoying his company and his hospitality.
Glen Chapman
April 27, 2004
As a college student in the mid 60's I met Alex while working on an idea to start a business. I was working at Brook's Woodcraft and interested in construction. Alex shared with me the story about his first big demolition job. I found him to be a down to earth man with very strong family values and a love for his community. Through out the years of business in SLO we had many opportunites to share stories.
Jim Ward
April 27, 2004
I am so sorry to hear of Alex passing. He was a real good man. When ever I came into San Luis Obispo for business, or just to visit, I would stop in at his office to say ?hi? he would stop what he was doing, invited me in and have a little chat. He really was a good guy. I will miss dropping in. I won?t be able to make the services please know my thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Jim Ward
Brenda Lipe- Akridge
April 27, 2004
Phyllis and family,
I was so sad to hear your loss. Mr. Madonna was a wonderful man, I am so glad I got to know him. He is such a wonderful, caring, giving person. I know your loss, it is hard. But in time the pain will ease. Please know out thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow. Our sympathy goes out to your family.
With Loving Thoughts,
Jody Lipe, Karen Lipe-Barr and family, Brenda Lipe-Akridge and family, Mary Lipe-Mankins and family.
Paul S. Rodriguez
April 27, 2004
Thank you for hiring my father, which put food on our table during the late 50's and early 60's...
You will be missed both near and far, you good deeds have touched many lives...
Thank You
Ron Leach
April 27, 2004
I have never been more intrigued by a person whom I have never met. You will be rememebered and will always be an inspiration in my life.
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