Madden, John Patrick of Norwood, formerly of Caherdavin, Limerick, Ireland passed peacefully from this earth on September 23, 2019. Born in Limerick on August 31st, 1942, John was the son of the late Mary and Ned Madden. A dedicated family man, John always put family first. Whether here in the States or back in his beloved Limerick, John went to great lengths to make sure that they always felt his love. He loved to travel and did so extensively throughout his life, exposing his children and grandchildren to the wonders of this world. His love of travel was kindled and nurtured during his 25 years as a tour director for CIE in Ireland. It was on one of his tours that he met and fell in love with his wife, Kathy.
In his younger days, while working as a Bus Conductor for CIE in Limerick, he became an amateur handball player developing a reputation as a formidable opponent on the courts of the CIE Club. Arriving in America, with his family in 1987, he quickly put his people skills back to work as a train conductor with Amtrak on the Boston commuter rails. John was well-known on the trains and was loved by his regulars who came to enjoy a quick joke, charming wit, and friendly Irish banter. He was a lifelong Munster and Young Munster rugby supporter who quickly adjusted to life in America by becoming an avid Patriots fan. John was a fixture at the area libraries and could often be seen around town walking his loyal dog, Rocky.
A devoted brother, father, grandfather, and friend, John is survived by his loving wife, Kathy, to whom he was married for more than 51 years, son Stephen and daughter-in-law, Laura, son David and daughter-in-law, Elise, daughter, Eve and granddaughter, Vivienne, his grandson, Colin, and his granddaughter, Sr. Maria Corredemptrix. He is also survived by his sisters Maureen and Joan of Janesboro, Limerick, and his brother, Eamon and sister-in-law, Noreen of Donoughmore, Co.Limerick. He was predeceased by his brother, Paddy, who is waiting to greet him. He also leaves behind Paddy’s longtime partner, Maura, brothers-in law and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends. In his lifetime, John survived a house collapse and a train crash, so despite his courageous fight, this time the Lord was ready to bring him safely home.
Our family would like to thank everyone who supported John during his long illness. We especially want to thank Frank Murphy, Pat Bachelder, and Christine Murphy, who worked diligently to get him to his many appointments, always doing so with a loving smile and an encouraging word. Our family is truly blessed to have such wonderful family and friends.
