Westfield, New Jersey
His Flag Is Still Flying
Richard B. Madden's daughter, Patricia, was only 19 months old when she kissed her father for the last time. But already they had their little jokes.
Every morning, before setting off for his job as an insurance broker at Aon, he would warn her, "I'm going to work. Don't grow up on me now." Then, when he got home, he would chide her for having disobeyed him.
Mr. Madden, 35 and a first-time father, would also forbid her to mess with his still full head of hair, which, of course, she took as an invitation.
And as only a dad can do, he taught her how to clink her juice bottle to his beer glass and say, "Cheers."
Father and daughter shared one other little ritual long before it became fashionable. Mr. Madden would take down the flag outside his home in Westfield, N.J., each night before bed and take it indoors. Each morning, little Tricia would shout, "Flag! Flag!" to remind him it was time to hang it again. "My husband was a strong Republican," said Mr. Madden's wife, Maura. "He was very proud that at her age, his daughter wanted the flag outside."
On Sept. 11, he had called Mrs. Madden from the 100th floor of the south tower, afraid he would not make it out. The authorities later identified his body in the rubble from the inscription on his wedding ring, which read, "Rich, all my love, Maura."
Since Sept. 11, the flag has remained on display, round-the-clock, and the ring has remained on display around Mrs. Madden's neck.
Hey Rich. Amazing it’s been 20 years. The day is still fresh for me and I do think of you often when I see something that reminds me. In particular when I hear someone laugh hard and deep I smile a little. You are missed. JOHN
John Sames
September 11, 2021 | Flemington, NJ | Coworker
Wow Rich (has it really been) 20 years! You are missed and remain in my thoughts and prayers all the time. I travel to Manhattan numerous times a year and always stop by your name to not only say a prayer but to say hello my cousin we miss you and I can't wait to be together again shooting hoops and drinking a beer. Bill
Bill Madden
September 11, 2021 | Richmond, VA | Family
Hey Rich. Long time no see. You are always on my mind. Tricia is amazing. We are so proud. You are always on our thoughts and prayers. Bob
Bob Madden
September 09, 2021 | Newport, RI | Brother
I just read the recent/preceding postings and smiled. As one of Richard’s cousins, my memories are a bit different but only in the details. The themes are the same. Rich remains and will always be a unique person for all he met. Reading the reflections of others brings a smile. Eternal rest, Rich, and keep smiling that infectious smile.
Bob Ewald
September 09, 2021 | Smithtown, NY | Family
Rich, I still have 2 bottles of wine that you and your wife brought to my house. They remain on my shelf right next to you and our friends from Aon that were killed. You are always remembered, and we had a lot of fun times at Aon. Rest in forever peace.
Donna Spera
September 09, 2021 | Red Bank, NJ | Coworker
Dog, as we called him in high school, was an amazing friend. A genuinely freakishly good basketball player and a passionate Mets fan. His parents were amazing people and his home in Short Hills was always a safe place for us as teens growing up. In fact, the first official gig I ever played as a drummer was in the basement of the Madden household in Millburn/Short Hills, NJ. There was a strong gaggle of teens invited and attending, and the basement was packed. We only knew six songs, but...
Michael Marinello
September 08, 2021 | Chappaqua, NY | Friend
Rich -- Another year... you are missed and remembered.
Mary Kay McGuire-Willson
September 08, 2021 | FL | Friend
Rich - Another year my cousin and you remain in my thoughts and prayers just as much today as you did 19 years ago. Our world lost a lot that day. While you may not be with us down here you remain close in not only our hearts and minds but our souls as well, Bill.
Bill Madden
September 12, 2020 | Richmond, VA | Family
Rich - you are constantly in our thoughts but particularly at Thanksgiving & Easter when we were all together for family celebrations. And in the summer with memories of beach trips when you all came out to Long Island. Now my daughters know your story and they too keep you in their prayers. Love you, Rich.
Bob Ewald
September 12, 2020 | Smithtown, NY | Family
