John Madonia, 81, a real estate developer, died at his home in Brookville on Sept. 30, 2000, at the age of 81. Mr. Madonia was a native of Brooklyn. During World War II, he participated in many important events including the Battle of the Bulge and the liberation of Auschwitz.

Mr. Madonia was married to the former Aida Santoro in 1945. They were the parents of six children. Mrs. Madonia died in 1972.

Mr. Madonia owned and operated three Madonia Food Stores in Elmont, East Williston and West Hempstead. In 1958 he built the Dosoris Bath and Tennis Club in Lattington. He bought his home in Plandome from tennis player Bobby Riggs in 1972. In the following years he built and developed homes in Plandome in an area which is called Madonia Court.

Mr. Madonia is survived by his daughters, Ginger Topper of Huntington Bay, Geri LoPinto of Brookville, Janet of Brookville and Aida of Scottsdale, Arizona; his sons, Vincent of Westbury and John of Scottsdale, Arizona, and five grandchildren.