Carl T. Maddalena

Carl T. Maddalena, 80, of Eatontown, passed away on Friday, April 11, 2025. Carl also known as "Poppy" and "Mr. Madd" was a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and friend to many. He is survived by his sons; Christopher Carl Sr., Damien Paul, and Christopher Carl Jr. all of Eatontown, and his daughters; Jennifer Susan Maddalena of Middletown and Sarah Elizabeth Jones and her husband Brian of Oceanport and his grandchildren; Shawna Romeo-Maddalena, Alic Maddalena, Delaney Marie Patrick, Madison Sarah Jones, and Ella Susan Jones. His children and grandchildren feel so blessed to have been given the gift of the most wonderful "Dad" and "Pop" in the world. He is also survived by his sister Rosalie DeMarco and her husband Paul DeMarco of Bethel CT. He left behind two cats whom he adored, Priscilla and Pumpkin who followed him all around the house. Carl loved his family, friends, & students dearly, treated everyone with tremendous kindness and respect, and in turn became a cherished mentor and friend to all whose lives he touched.
Carl was born in New York City, NY to Carlo and Concetta Maddalena. He grew up in Harlem and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School. Carl was a lifelong devout Catholic and served as an altar boy throughout his childhood. At the young age of 16, he met Susan, the love of his life at a combined school dance for the all boys and all girls school (She went to St. Patrick's Cathedral High) where he played the bass in the band. They danced together for the next 53 years. Theirs was an old fashioned New York City love story.
Carl was predeceased by his cherished wife Susan Ellen Maddalena; his parents, Carlo and Concetta Maddalena; his brother Leopold Maddalena and sister in law Estela Maddalena.
After graduating St. Johns University, Carl started the first five years of his teaching career in Harlem during the Vietnam War. He was not drafted as they needed teachers more than soldiers at that time. Soon after the birth of their first son in 1970 they moved to NJ where Carl started his 32 year career as an English teacher at Henry Hudson Regional School in Highlands. Further in his career he got his Masters Degree in English from Kean University and became an adjunct professor for writing at Brookdale College. "Mr. Madd" was a beloved teacher. Besides teaching he also advised the student council, ran the school newspaper and literary magazine, directed the adult education program, and even taught driver's ed. He was awarded the prestigious Teacher of the Year award by the Governor in his 25th year there and used his grant to start a "Learning Through Writing" program. His students always spoke about the impact he made on their lives and how he fostered their love of writing and literature.
Carl's biggest loves in his life were his wife, children, and grandchildren. Family meant everything to him. Carl was an avid reader of literature and a talented poet. Growing up in New York City he was a big fan of the theater, musicals, and Broadway. He loved music, especially Andrea Bocelli and enjoyed playing his favorite classical songs on his baby grand piano. With family roots in the Bronx he was a big Yankee fan just like his father and his siblings. His favorite character was Snoopy and his home was filled with Peanuts memorabilia. Carl was very fond of Saint Anthony. He wore a medal and prayed to him daily along with the Rosary. He inspired his family by sharing and passing on his Roman Catholic beliefs & spirituality which were a big part of his life.
Carl was the most loving, sweet, and generous father and grandfather. He was always ready to help his family in any way he could. He looked after the children all the time and got us all together for Sunday breakfast for years. He was always worried about everybody eating enough which must have stemmed from his Italian roots. Carl's kind nature was reflected through every word he spoke and every memory he created. Carl will be remembered for his kindness and wisdom that he bestowed on everyone who crossed his path in life. He will live in our hearts forever and we will miss him tremendously.
A Memorial Gathering will be held on Friday, April 25th from 4-8pm at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Avenue, Red Bank, NJ 07701. A Memorial Mass will be offered on Saturday, April 26th at 10am at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank, NJ.
Please visit Carl's Memorial Website available at www.johnedayfuneralhome.com.