Michael (Mike) John Madden

Michael (Mike) John Madden passed away on April 29, 2020 in Orlando, Florida surrounded by his family after a hard fought battle with Glioblastoma Multiforme. Michael was born on October 23, 1948 in Chicago, Illinois to parents Edward and Eleanor (Macht) Madden. Michael grew up in Chicago attending St. Mel’s High School before being drafted into the Vietnam War in 1967. After serving one tour of duty and rising to the ranks of Lieutenant, he returned to the Chicago Area in a wheelchair. He was told that he might never walk again, but his relentless drive and determination took over and he proved the doctors wrong. After several long months in rehabilitation, Michael made a full recovery and went on to continue a successful career in the retail industry. He worked at Jewel Foods for several years, climbing the ranks to Director of Transportation. During this time, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Lake Forest School of Management in 1978. In 1987 he moved to Mahwah, New Jersey and began working at Toys R Us, where he held various upper management positions and eventually earned the title of President of US Operations before leaving in 1999. As President and COO of Trans World Entertainment, he briefly moved to Albany, New York before relocating to Windermere, Florida for the first time and starting Madden Associates, Inc. In 2003, Michael became the CEO of Musicland Inc. in Minnesota and commuted from Florida for the next three years. He then moved back to Mahwah, New Jersey where Michael continued his impressive career as President and CEO of Argix Direct. Eventually settling in Windermere, Florida for good in 2009, Michael decided to take on one more prominent role as the CEO and President of Vitamin World. Michael has received many accolades in both his professional life and charitable works. He served as a Board Member for the Children’s Brain Tumor Cancer Foundation, Bergen Community College and The House of Hope. He also supported many additional charities both in Orlando and the Tri-state area, including Bergen CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Central Florida Women’s League, St. Jude, and Disabled American Veterans. As a health and exercise fanatic, Michael completed numerous marathons and continued to run almost daily. When he was not working, exercising, coaching his son’s travel and AAU basketball teams, or spending time with his family, he would be found with a book in his hands, being an avid reader with an affinity for mystery novels. He had a great love for all the canine companions in his life and will be greatly missed by Zeus and Chanel. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Elizabeth (Mora) Madden, his children: Toni (Joe) Burdick, Nicole (James) Andersen, Jaqueline Madden (Giovonni) Mazzacca, and Michael Madden Jr., and his grandchildren: Matt, AJ, Will, Emily, Leah, and Celeste. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary (Jim) Jones and Judy (George) Ardolino, his sister-in-law Orysia Madden, as well as many close nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers: Edward Madden, Patrick Madden, and Jerry Madden. A Catholic Funeral at Holy Family Catholic Church in Orlando, Florida and Celebration of Life is planned for this summer and his ashes will be placed at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. Flowers can be sent to The Madden Family (All flowers will be donated to the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation immediately following the funeral): 11103 Camden Park Drive Windermere, Florida 34786 Donations can be made to the Children’s Brain Tumor Foundation in memory of Michael Madden. https://interland3.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E2744&id=1 Family and Friends are invited to leave a message of condolence on the Tribute Wall created in Mike's memory.

Michael (Mike) John Madden

October 23, 1948 - April 29, 2020