William J. Madden

William J. “Bill” Madden, age 77, of the Capitol Square Apartments in Pittsfield died Tuesday, August 27th at Mount Greylock Extended Care Facility after a long illness.

Bill was born in Washington, DC on February 7, 1942 the son of the late William and Helen (Brady) Madden. His family moved back to Pittsfield shortly after he was born. Bill was a 1960 graduate of St. Joseph’s High School, and he then went on to study history and elementary education at the former North Adams State College. He graduated Cum Laude with bachelor’s degrees and certifications in history and elementary education.

Bill was employed for as a substitute teacher in Pittsfield and later worked as an assembler at Eaton Paper Company.

He was passionate about history and he loved to read. Bill also spent much of his time building collections - most notable were his stamp and coin collections. He also was an avid New England Sports lover, and collected many pieces of sports memorabilia over the years. He loved to spend time fishing, both freshwater and deep-sea, and to play cards and mahjong with his great friends at the Senior Center and at the senior housing.  Bill was a member of the Irish American Club from 1977 and enjoyed Irish music and dancing, marching in the parade for many years and attending the Irish festivals.  For ten years, Bill was a member of the Monsignor Eugene F. Marshall - Council #103 Knights of Columbus in Pittsfield.  He achieved the rank of Third Degree and was very active in recruiting.

An avid walker, Bill was pleased to be able to live downtown where he could easily walk to the Berkshire Museum or to the Beacon to see a movie. Bill was devoted to his Catholic faith and was a long-time communicant of St. Joseph’s Church. Before that, he and his family were members of St. Teresa’s Church.

Bill loved spending the holidays with his sisters and their kids and was an incredible uncle to his nieces and nephews, and a proud godfather to Lori, Dina and Peg.

Bill is survived by his three beloved sisters, Peg Madison and her husband Don of Hinsdale, Patti Curtin and her husband Leo of Adams, and Sandy Gardner and her husband Jerry of Pittsfield. He also leaves his six nieces and nephews, Monica Montferret (Chris) of Dalton, Todd Madison (Karlene) of Florida, Lori Madison of Hinsdale, Carrie Ann Jerrell (Pete) of Michigan, Nikki Ayres (Mike) of Colorado, and Dina Abderhalden (Chris) of Lenox, and 7 great nieces and 7 great nephews.

SERVICES: Calling hours for Bill will be MONDAY, September 2nd from 4-7PM at the DEVANNY-CONDRON FUNERAL HOME. The celebration of Bill’s life will continue TUESDAY morning at 8AM from the funeral home followed by a Liturgy of Christian Burial at 9AM at St. Joseph’s Church with Msgr. Michael Shershanovich, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow with his parents at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bill’s memory may be made to: The St. Joseph’s Food Pantry, in care of the funeral home.