Thomas J. Madden

1940 - 2023

Thomas J. Madden
Thomas J. Madden, 83, went home to God Tuesday, October 12, 2023, surrounded by his beloved wife and children.
Tom was born February 9, 1940 to the late Clara (Helmstetter) and Louis Madden of Cumberland, MD. He leaves behind his eldest sister, Anna Vaughan. He was predeceased by his brothers, Fr. Benjamin Madden and Robert Madden and his older sister, Barbara Madden. He attended La Salle High School (Cumberland, MD). He then continued his education with an Engineering Degree at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he met his greatest friend and future wife of 59 years, Gayle (Martin) Madden.
After college, Tom accepted a position as an Engineer for Pratt & Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford, CT. He worked designing and improving aircraft engines for 36 years at P&W. He married Gayle, and they raised four children in the town of Vernon where the couple has resided for 58 years.
Tom was a man devoted to his Catholic Faith. He served as a volunteer, Eucharistic Minister, RCIA instructor and trustee at Sacred Heart Parish until its recent closure. He played an essential role in the development and administration of Rose Commons - a senior living community dedicated to serving the elderly and disabled. Tom was more recently an active parishioner at Blessed Sacrament Parish/St. Bernard Church of Vernon, CT. Tom lived his Faith and inspired many others to follow in Jesus' path.
More than anything, Tom was a family man who never failed to find time for his wife, children, and grandchildren. He could be found at ball fields, track fields, dance competitions, graduations, birthdays, and anywhere his family needed cheering - no matter the distance from home. He was greatly loved by his four children: Eileen Turbessi and her husband, Mark; Kevin Madden and his wife, Laura; Elizabeth Gallagher and her husband, Paul; and Colleen Lynch and her husband, Kevin. He was also cherished by his grandchildren: Zane Turbessi; Robert Turbessi; Anna Madden; Erin Madden; Aine (Gallagher) Lucido and her husband, Mike; Colm Gallagher and his wife, Katie; Brendan Gallagher; Eilis Gallagher; Aidan Gallagher; Liem Lynch; and Van Lynch. Tom recently welcomed a precious great-granchild, Abigail Grace Lucido, into the circle of his unfailing love. His numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins all fell within the sphere of his devotion.
Tom was also a man of many varied interests - gardening, traveling, genealogy, Sudoku, and terrible jokes - just to name a few. He lived to learn, nurture, and bring joy to others.
Friends will be received at Burke-Fortin Funeral Home (76 Prospect Street, Vernon, CT) on Monday, October 16, 2023 from 4 to 7 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Bernard Church (25 St Bernard's Terrace, Vernon, CT) on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Tom's memory may do so by making contributions to The Cornerstone Foundation (1 Prospect Street, Vernon, CT 06066 or http://www.cornerstone-cares.org). For online condolences, please visit: www.pietrasfuneralhome.com