Silvio Anthony Ciccone, affectionately known as Tony, was born in 1931 in Pennsylvania, United States. As a first-generation American, his parents immigrated from Pacentro, Italy, to provide the family with a better life. Tony would grow up to become a well-educated and successful man, eventually becoming the father of Grammy award-winning singer, Madonna, and her five siblings.
Tony’s early years consisted of service in the Air Force, after which he earned a degree in Physics from Geneva College. His knowledge and skills landed him employment with prestigious companies such as Chrysler and General Dynamics in suburban Detroit. However, his interests would evolve beyond his initial career path, as he delved into the world of viticulture.
Today, Silvio Ciccone is known not only as the father of pop icon Madonna but also as the founder of Ciccone Vineyard & Winery. This family-run business in Michigan has been a source of pride for the Ciccone family, even drawing the attention of Madonna herself, who has been spotted visiting the vineyard on special occasions.
Early Life
Childhood in Michigan
Silvio Ciccone was born on June 2, 1931, in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, USA. He later moved to Michigan, where he raised his family. He was married to Madonna Fortin from July 1, 1955, until her death on December 1, 1963. They had six children together, including the Grammy award-winning singer Madonna Louise Ciccone. After Fortin’s death, Silvio married Joan Ciccone in 1966, and they have two children together.
Silvio’s upbringing in Michigan instilled in him the value of hard work, which he later passed on to his children. As a devoted father, he was always determined to provide for his family, and so he pursued higher education and obtained a degree in engineering.
Italian Immigrant Roots
Silvio’s Italian immigrant roots made a significant impact on his life and his family. His parents were Italian emigrants from Pacentro, while his former wife, Madonna Fortin, was of French-Canadian descent. With a strong connection to his heritage, Silvio embraced hard work and perseverance as core values.
As an Italian immigrant, Silvio faced many challenges as he strived to create a better life for his family in the US. Nevertheless, he managed to forge a successful career in the automobile industry, working for renowned companies such as General Motors and Chrysler.
Today, Silvio owns and operates Ciccone Winery and Vineyard in Michigan. The winery stands as a testament to Silvio’s commitment to making the most of his opportunities and ensuring a stable future for his family. Through it, he has successfully combined his cultural heritage and passion for winemaking, further cementing his legacy.
Family
Relationship with Madonna
Silvio Ciccone, father of world-renowned singer Madonna, had a strong bond with his daughter. Born in Pennsylvania in 1931, Silvio Anthony Ciccone was married to Madonna Fortin, with whom he had six children, including Madonna. The family dynamic shifted with the loss of their mother, but the Ciccone family remained close-knit.
Recently, Madonna celebrated her father’s 90th birthday at their family’s vineyard in Michigan, where she brought along five of her six children. The event stands as a testament to the healthy relationship Madonna shares with her father, Silvio Ciccone.
Children
Silvio Ciccone and his wife, the late Madonna Fortin, parented six children:
- Madonna Louise Ciccone
- Martin Ciccone
- Anthony Ciccone
- Paula Mae Ciccone
- Christopher Gerard Ciccone
- Melanie Henry Ciccone
The family faced a significant challenge after the passing of Madonna’s mother, but they stayed resilient and supportive of each other through the years.
Silvio Ciccone is also a proud grandfather to several grandchildren from Madonna’s side of the family. Among them are:
- Lourdes Leon: Daughter of Madonna and Carlos Leon
- Rocco Ritchie: Son of Madonna and Guy Ritchie
- David Banda: Son of Madonna, adopted from Malawi
- Mercy James: Daughter of Madonna, adopted from Malawi
- Stella Ciccone: Twin daughter of Madonna, adopted from Malawi
- Estere Ciccone: Twin daughter of Madonna, adopted from Malawi
These grandchildren played a crucial part in Silvio’s heartwarming 90th birthday celebration, displaying the close bond the Ciccone family shares even in the face of adversity. The support and love they provide each other proves the family’s strength and resilience, serving as an inspiration to many.
Professional Life
Working at General Motors
Silvio Ciccone, father of the famous singer and actress Madonna, earned his engineering degree and started working for General Motors at a young age. He was a dedicated professional who strived to provide for his family and earned his way up the organizational ladder. His hard work and commitment to his job made it possible for him to support his family, including his children.
Chrysler Engineer
After building a solid career at General Motors, Silvio moved on to work as an engineer at Chrysler. In this role, he continued to apply his technical expertise and played a significant role in the development and production processes of the company. Despite the demands of his job, he managed to strike a balance between his professional and personal life, ensuring that his family’s needs were met. As his career progressed, he reached new heights, gaining respect and recognition from his peers for his engineering skills and dedication.
Today, Silvio is known not only as Madonna’s father but also as a diligent and accomplished engineer, who made a significant impact in the automotive industry throughout his professional life.
Ciccone Vineyard
Establishment of Vineyard
Silvio “Tony” Ciccone, a first-generation American, established the Ciccone Vineyard & Winery in 1995. Located just north of Traverse City, Michigan, this vineyard and winery is perched atop Hilltop Road, near M-22 on the Leelanau Peninsula. As one of the first 10 wineries in Leelanau County, Ciccone Vineyard and Winery has become an integral part of the local wine community.
The vineyard’s establishment was born from Tony’s passion for winemaking, which he inherited from his parents who immigrated to Pennsylvania from Pacentro, Italy. The vineyard has grown over the years to offer a wide range of fine wines and provides a unique tasting experience for wine lovers. Though operating in Michigan, the winery strongly reflects its Italian roots in both its wine and atmosphere.
