Bob was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA to Vincent and Mary Madle. He served in the Army during World War II where he met and married his wife, Billie. Following his Army discharge, he attended Drexel University where he received a BS degree in Business Administration in 1951 and a Masters of Business Administration in 1953. He spent the majority of his career as a research psychologist and program manager with the US Navy Department in Washington, DC. Bob also was a science fiction book dealer which he began in the 1950s. He retired at age 60 to pursue this business full time.
From an early age, Bob was an avid reader, collector and fan of all science fiction literature. He began reading science fiction as a 13-year-old in 1933 and became active in fandom soon after. He was a writer, editor, collector and active fan throughout his long life. As one of the most prominent dealers in the field, he was highly esteemed and continued this work until the end. He was a pillar in the science fiction community receiving many honors and awards over his lifetime.
In addition to his love of science fiction, he enjoyed baseball, especially his beloved Oakland Athletics. Bob followed the team since they were the Philadelphia Athletics, his home town team from his youth.
Bob was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather and good friend to many. He will be truly missed and his memory will live on in our hearts and his stories.
Bob was preceded in death by his first wife of 54 years, Billie Lindsay Madle and his second wife of 18 years, Ana Lisseth Martinez Madle. He is survived by his children, Robert Madle Jr., Richard Madle (Marsha), Jane Madle and Mary Lomke (Steve); three grandchildren, Lauren Givan (Shawn), Bryan Madle (Sarah) and Corey Lomke (Stephanie); step-daughter Sarah Nicole Martinez and two great-grandchildren, Wilson and Lindsay Givan.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association.
A visitation for Bob will be held Sunday, October 23, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. A funeral service will occur Monday, October 24, 2022 at 12:30 PM, 11800 New Hampshire Ave, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904. A committal service will occur Monday, October 24, 2022 at 2:30 PM at Parklawn Memorial Park, 12800 Veirs Mill Road, Rockville, Maryland 20853.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hinesrinaldifuneralhome.com for the Madle family.
