Gjonaj's chief counsel, Will Madonna, dies

Funeral services are set this week for William J. Madonna, chief counsel to Assemblyman Mark Gjonaj, who died Friday at his Bronx home. He was 55.

Madonna was born Oct. 6, 1961 in Mount Kisco. He was raised in Yorktown Heights and earned his bachelor's degree from Northeastern University in Boston. He later earned his juris doctorate from the New England School of Law.

Madonna began his legal career in New York City's law department in the corporation counsel office, and lated joined the Bronx district attorney's office as a prosecutor. Since 1994, he maintained a private practice in Morris Park, and served as chief counsel to Gjonaj, who was elected to the Assembly in 2013.

Madonna is survived by sons Matthew and Eric, as well as parents Nicholas and Phyllis. He's also survived by siblings Susann, Joan and Robert, as well as several nieces and nephews. 

Schuyler Hill Funeral Home, 3535 E. Tremont Ave., will host a viewing June 13 and June 14 from 2 to 5 p.m., and again from 7 to 9 p.m. 

The funeral service will take place June 15 at 10 a.m., at Saint Francis de Chantal's Church, 190 Hollywood Ave. Interment will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Webster Avenue and East 233rd Street.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requestins donations be made to the American Heart Association and the High School for Community Leadership, a scholarship fund for underprivileged students to assist in college tuition costs. 

To make a donation, send checks to: The High School for Community Leadership, Carlos Borrero, 167-01 Gothic Drive, Jamaica, NY 11432.