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9 Things You Didn’t Know About Silvio Ciccone: Madonna’s 94-Year-Old Father, His Winery, And His Unbreakable Spirit

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The world knows Madonna as the Queen of Pop, but behind the iconic figure is a man of remarkable longevity and quiet success: Silvio Anthony “Tony” Ciccone. As of late 2025, Silvio Ciccone is not only going strong at 94, but he continues to be a source of inspiration and a central figure in the Ciccone family, proving that the Material Girl’s resilience is clearly a family trait. His life story, which spans nearly a century, is a classic American tale of immigration, military service, and entrepreneurial spirit, deeply rooted in his Italian heritage and culminating in a successful vineyard business in Michigan.

The most recent and heartwarming update on Silvio Ciccone came in June 2025 when his daughter, Madonna, celebrated his 94th birthday with a touching public tribute, confirming that he is "94 and going strong!!" and has a "strong desire to get out of bed and work." This article dives deep into the life, career, and enduring legacy of the man who helped shape one of the world's biggest cultural icons, exploring his difficult past, his thriving business, and the repaired relationship with his famous daughter.

Silvio Anthony Ciccone: A Full Biography and Profile

Silvio Anthony Ciccone, often affectionately known as "Tony," is a first-generation Italian-American patriarch, businessman, and veteran whose life laid the foundation for the Ciccone family's future success, including that of his daughter, Madonna.

  • Full Name: Silvio Anthony Ciccone (also known as Tony or Tonny)
  • Date of Birth: 1931
  • Current Age (as of late 2025): 94 years old
  • Place of Birth: Pennsylvania, U.S.
  • Nationality: American
  • Ethnicity/Descent: Italian-American (Parents immigrated from Pacentro, Italy)
  • Military Service: Served in the U.S. Air Force
  • First Wife: Madonna Louise Fortin (Died in 1963)
  • Second Wife: Joan Gustafson (The family's former nanny)
  • Children: Madonna Louise Ciccone (The Queen of Pop) and five siblings from his first marriage, plus two children from his second marriage.
  • Known Occupation: Former engineer/designer, and Owner/Operator of Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

From Italian Roots to Air Force Veteran: The Early Life of Tony Ciccone

Silvio Ciccone’s story begins with a strong foundation of immigrant ambition. His parents, who hailed from the small town of Pacentro, Italy, made the arduous journey to America, settling in Pennsylvania. Silvio was the youngest of six boys, growing up in a close-knit, Catholic family where work ethic and discipline were paramount. This upbringing instilled a lifelong sense of duty and perseverance.

After completing his education, Silvio answered the call to service, joining the United States Air Force. His time in the military was a formative period, further honing the discipline that would later define his approach to raising his large family and running his businesses. Upon his return to civilian life, he pursued a career as an engineer and designer, a steady profession that provided for his growing family.

He first married Madonna Louise Fortin, and the couple had six children, including the future superstar, Madonna. The family was struck by tragedy when Madonna Louise Fortin passed away from breast cancer in 1963 when Madonna was just five years old. This profound loss and the subsequent difficulty of raising six young children led Silvio to marry the family's nanny, Joan Gustafson, with whom he had two more children, bringing the total to eight.

The Entrepreneurial Spirit: Ciccone Vineyard & Winery

One of Silvio Ciccone’s most enduring legacies outside of his famous daughter is his successful foray into viticulture. In 1995, he established the Ciccone Vineyard & Winery, located in the beautiful Leelanau Peninsula of Michigan. This venture was a passion project that blended his Italian heritage—where wine-making is a centuries-old tradition—with his American entrepreneurial drive.

The winery has since become a respected establishment in the Michigan wine industry, known for its high-quality, European-style wines. It is a true family business, with several of Silvio's children and grandchildren involved in the operation, from the vineyard management to the tasting room. The vineyard's success stands as a testament to Silvio's dedication and his ability to pivot from a career in engineering to becoming a successful vintner in his later years. The estate not only produces wine but also serves as a picturesque venue, embodying the Ciccone family's deep ties to the Michigan landscape.

Mending Fences: The Relationship with Madonna

The relationship between Silvio and his daughter Madonna has been widely reported as complex and, at times, strained, particularly following the death of her mother and his subsequent remarriage. Madonna often spoke about the strict, Catholic upbringing imposed by her father, which she rebelled against early in her career.

However, over the years, the two have successfully mended their fences, transforming a difficult past into a strong and supportive present. This reconciliation became particularly evident in recent years. Madonna has frequently shared touching tributes to her father on social media, celebrating his birthdays and acknowledging his strength and longevity. She has praised his resilience, noting that he has "survived many wars and many losses in his life" and still maintains a "sense of humor and a strong desire to get out of bed and work."

Their bond is now characterized by mutual respect and love, a powerful narrative of family healing. Madonna has even brought her own children to visit the Ciccone Vineyard, connecting the next generation to their Italian-American roots and the family business. This public display of affection and connection has offered a rare glimpse into the private life of the Queen of Pop and the enduring influence of her father, Tony Ciccone.

The Legacy of Longevity and Resilience

At 94, Silvio Ciccone is more than just Madonna’s father; he is a symbol of incredible endurance and a life well-lived. His recent 94th birthday celebration in June 2025, which Madonna documented, highlighted his vitality and strong spirit. The fact that he is still actively involved in his winery business speaks volumes about his work ethic and determination. His life story is a rich tapestry of experiences: an immigrant's son, a military veteran, a grieving husband, a father of eight, an engineer, and a successful winemaker.

Silvio Ciccone’s journey serves as a powerful reminder that behind every global icon is a family history—a complex, challenging, and ultimately rewarding story of love, loss, and the unbreakable bonds of kinship. His life, rooted in Pacentro, Italy, and flourishing in Michigan, continues to inspire, proving that a strong foundation and a desire to persevere can lead to a long and fulfilling life.

silvio ciccone
silvio ciccone

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