Tracy Madonia

Tracy Madonia (née Mellaci), formerly of Kenilworth, passed away peacefully at home on May 16th, 2026 wrapped in love and surrounded by her devoted family.

Born with a pink and sparkly personality in the summer of 1970, Tracy was raised in Long Branch, NJ. She graduated from Long Branch High School and attended Brookdale Community College. Tracy dedicated more than 35 years to a career in dentistry, a field she loved not only for the work itself, but for the people she cared for along the way. Her dedication, intelligence, and fierce work ethic left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Tracy and her loving husband Jerry, moved into their dream retirement home in Bethlehem PA in 2021. Tracy was then diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2025. She faced her illness with remarkable courage, strength, and grace until her final breath. Her faith guided her through every chapter of her life, but never more powerfully than in her final year She did not simply endure her journey—she illuminated it, leaving behind a legacy of hope and unwavering trust in God’s plan.

Tracy had an enormous heart for service. For over two decades, she and her husband, Jerry, were proud members of the Cranford Elks Lodge #2006. She poured herself into organizing fundraisers for children with special needs and veterans, giving her time and energy selflessly to causes she believed in. She served as Esquire for three years and was honored as Elk of the Year in 2010. Giving back was not something Tracy did out of obligation; it was who she was. Tracy was the second female to become a member of the Elks Motorcycle Club and proudly rode her pink, sparkly Harley Davidson Fat Boy.  Riding was a deep passion she shared with Jerry, and together they created countless memories on the open road.  

Above everything else, Tracy’s heart belonged to her family. Her greatest joy was her children and grandchildren. She adored her son, Michael (Lauren), and her stepchildren, Lisamarie (George) and Anthony (Tara), always loving them as if they were her own. Tracy often said that if she had done one thing right in her life, it was raising three incredible children—and she was right. She found happiness in simple, beautiful moments: cooking for those she loved, gathering everyone around the table, and stirring a big pot of her cherished “Sunday Gravy,” filling her home with warmth, laughter, and love.

In addition to her husband and best friend, Jerry as well as her amazing children, Tracy is survived  her precious grandchildren, Cecilia,  Isabella , David, Caleb & Noelle;  her parents, Joseph and Carol Mellaci; sister, Karen (Steve ); half-sister, Chrissy; Godmother, Patricia (Bobby); and many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends who will always carry her memory forward.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, May 29th, at 10:30 AM at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 40 Alden Street, Cranford, NJ.

Immediately following the Mass, a Celebration of Life and repast will take place at the Cranford Elks Lodge, 951 Lincoln Ave. East, Cranford, NJ.  A brief service will take place, followed by a gathering to celebrate Tracy’s life the way she lived it—with good food, good music, and the love of family and friends!

In honor of Tracy’s wishes, guests are encouraged to wear something pink—no matter how big or small—as a tribute to her favorite color and to help celebrate her truly fabulous life!

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