1938
Charles
2023
Charles F. Madden Jr.
September 19, 1938 — November 25, 2023
STERLING - Charles Francis Madden Jr. passed away on Saturday, November 25, 2023, in Worcester, MA.
“Charlie” was born on September 19, 1938, to Charles Sr. and Estelle (Jones). He had 4 siblings: Fred, Jack, Arthur, and Virginia. He had been married to Karen (Hanson) and later to Zelda (Holcomb). He is survived by his children: Charles III, Kevin, Damien, Matt (Buttrill), and Kris, along with their partners, grandchildren Anika, Bee, Michael, Katy, Alyssa, Max, Emma, Bea, and one great-grandchild, Henry.
Charlie graduated from Maynard High School in 1956. He later earned a graduate degree from UMass Boston with a Master’s in Human Service Management.
Charlie served our country as an Airman First Class, E-3 in the United States Air Force.
Charlie had a varied career that encompassed both his abilities in engineering and human services. He was an electrical engineer and designer at AT&T, Prime Computer, and Bose. He also worked with troubled youth, supporting multiple programs in Massachusetts, Maine, and Maryland, including CASA, as a court-appointed special advocate for children.
As an avid hiker and cyclist, he changed careers in 1980 and began working for Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) both in Boston and in Seattle, Washington, for 26 years.
In 1990, he changed careers again and became an official real beaded Santa Claus, representing the original North Pole native at his local mall, tree lighting ceremonies, and private functions.
In addition to his service-oriented career, he spent much time volunteering with organizations such as the American Lung Association and Growing Places, a nonprofit organization supporting the health of people and the planet through the local food system.
He also served on the board of directors at Earn a Bike in Worcester and LUK Inc. in the Fitchburg/Leominster area.
The Madden family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Blaire House for caring for Charlie in his last two years.
In lieu of flowers, donations to COTA for Hank would be greatly appreciated. This fund supports the lifetime of care needed for his great-grandson, Henry, who received a kidney transplant the week prior to Charlie’s passing. www.cotaforhank.com
A memorial service will be held in the spring. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling.
To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his tribute wall.
“Charlie” was born on September 19, 1938, to Charles Sr. and Estelle (Jones). He had 4 siblings: Fred, Jack, Arthur, and Virginia. He had been married to Karen (Hanson) and later to Zelda (Holcomb). He is survived by his children: Charles III, Kevin, Damien, Matt (Buttrill), and Kris, along with their partners, grandchildren Anika, Bee, Michael, Katy, Alyssa, Max, Emma, Bea, and one great-grandchild, Henry.
Charlie graduated from Maynard High School in 1956. He later earned a graduate degree from UMass Boston with a Master’s in Human Service Management.
Charlie served our country as an Airman First Class, E-3 in the United States Air Force.
Charlie had a varied career that encompassed both his abilities in engineering and human services. He was an electrical engineer and designer at AT&T, Prime Computer, and Bose. He also worked with troubled youth, supporting multiple programs in Massachusetts, Maine, and Maryland, including CASA, as a court-appointed special advocate for children.
As an avid hiker and cyclist, he changed careers in 1980 and began working for Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) both in Boston and in Seattle, Washington, for 26 years.
In 1990, he changed careers again and became an official real beaded Santa Claus, representing the original North Pole native at his local mall, tree lighting ceremonies, and private functions.
In addition to his service-oriented career, he spent much time volunteering with organizations such as the American Lung Association and Growing Places, a nonprofit organization supporting the health of people and the planet through the local food system.
He also served on the board of directors at Earn a Bike in Worcester and LUK Inc. in the Fitchburg/Leominster area.
The Madden family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Blaire House for caring for Charlie in his last two years.
In lieu of flowers, donations to COTA for Hank would be greatly appreciated. This fund supports the lifetime of care needed for his great-grandson, Henry, who received a kidney transplant the week prior to Charlie’s passing. www.cotaforhank.com
A memorial service will be held in the spring. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Miles-Sterling Funeral and Tribute Center, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling.
To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit his tribute wall.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Charles F. Madden Jr., please visit our flower store.
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