Richard James Madden
04/07/1938 - 12/21/2018

 

 A MARINE, BUSINESS EXECUTIVE, COMMUNITY LEADER, FORMER CEO ADIDAS, USA, INC.

 Rich Madden of Summit died on December 21,2018, at the age of 80. Born in Queens, NY, on April 7, 1938, he was a resident of Summit since 1983. He is survived by his devoted wife of 32 years, Paula Maida Mooney, five children, and eight grandchildren. Children are Richard, Jr. (Kelly) with Emily, Connor, and Daniel of Glastonbury, CT; Steven and granddaughter Eliza of Burlington, VT; step-son John Mooney (Amanda) of Mission Viejo, CA; Mara (Todd Salamon) with Ryan and Grace of New Providence, NJ; Anneliese (Charles Tedeschi) with Charles, Jr. and Emerson of Andover, MA. Brothers are Vincent (Margaret) of Carmichael, CA; Gerard (Carol) of Wethersfield, CT; John (Janet) of Newington, CT, and families; sister-in-law Marian (Wayne Johnson) of Springfield, NJ, and niece Dr. Laura (Scott Peterson) of Long Branch, NJ, whose marriage he officiated. Rich was predeceased by his parents Anne and John Madden, sister Marianne, and daughter-in-law Carol Norton.

 Rich attended Newington CT High School and was Student Council President. As a proud member of the US Naval Academy Class of 1959, he served on the White House Official Honor Guard to President Eisenhower, became a veteran in the war-zone Lebanon aboard USS NOA, played varsity soccer, and earned Color Company honors. As a Marine Officer, he supported the embarkation to Guantanamo during the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, and commanded the elite Hawk Missile Battery that was commended for operational readiness and later became the first Marine Unit deployed to Da Nang, Vietnam.

 After earning a Harvard MBA, Rich marketed AccuRay nuclear measurement and controls systems to the process industries. He profitably expanded Pirelli’s first U.S. affiliate near San Francisco and researched new ventures. As President of Nortron, he wrote the business plan and raised capital in Silicon Valley to start-up the first U.S. electronic wheel balancing company, which was then acquired by Sun Electric Co. His French Tire Company became the top exporter for Kleber of France, and which he later sold and transferred his employees to Michelin. As the first CEO of Adidas USA, he managed 600 employees, achieved record sales and profits, and contributed to the 1984 Olympic planning. At his MARS Management Company, Rich consolidated a global network, served as bankruptcy expert witness, and mentored start-ups including Fleet Team, LLC.

 An avid traveler, Rich organized business trips to Europe and golf outings to Ireland. He treasured family bonding in Glastonbury, Killarney, and Kitzbuhel, where his children learned alpine skiing from the Rote Teufels (Red Devils). Also memorable were 50 Sutton Place South with his soulmate Paula and their dog, Pucci; their revered destination Tickle Pink Inn at Carmel-by-the-Sea; and Paris. A heritage trip to Italy became the amazing basis for Paula’s memoir My Father’s Last Meatballs …. A Heavenly Entree.

 Rich supported the U.S. Naval Academy, enjoyed Suburban Golf Club and possessed an exceptional memory, which made for great storytelling. Elected twice to Summit’s Common Council and its President, he stressed fiscal responsibility, integrity, and respect.

 A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 306 Morris Ave. in Summit on Saturday, January 5th at 10:45am. In lieu of flowers, donations to the USNA Foundation are greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

 


Funeral Home:
Bradley, Brough & Dangler Funeral Home
Funeral:
A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Teresa of Avila Church, 306 Morris Ave. in Summit on Saturday, January 5th at 10:45am.
Memorial Gifts:
In lieu of flowers, donations to the USNA Foundation are greatly appreciated. www.usna.com/give
Bradley Funeral Homes
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