Dennis A. McFadden

McFadden,
Dennis A.
BALLSTON SPA -
Dennis A. McFadden, 81, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 8, 2025. He was born on August 21, 1943, in Washington, D.C. to John and Vera McFadden.
Throughout his life, he endured more ups and downs than many of us. His health was far from ideal, but he never let that dampen his lively and generous spirit. He always knew how to laugh through any situation and was the ultimate example of strength and integrity. His sense of humor, street smarts, and wit could carry anyone through any hardship.
Dennis was most recently a project manager for the NYS Department of Health. He was a published author and prolific writer. His first collection, "Hart's Grove," was published by Colgate University Press in 2010, and his second, "Jimtown Road," won the 2016 Press 53 Award for Short Fiction. His novel "Old Grimes Is Dead" earned a starred review from Kirkus Reviews and was selected as one of the Best Indie Books of 2022. Other novels included "All Bloody Wilted," "A Cure for the Dying," "Only Bones," and "Say the Heros." Over 100 of his stories have appeared in publications such as The Missouri Review, New England Review, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Coolest American Stories 2024, and The Best American Mystery Stories. He also frequently served as a judge for Prime Number Magazine's Short Fiction Award, and as a guest editor. His story "Eighteen People Every Hour" was the winner of the 2023 Perkoff Prize in fiction. Another story, "Yuppie in a Barn," was a winner of the 2024 Story Prize. Most recently, "Pop Goes The Weasel" was the winner of the 22nd Annual Scribes Valley Short Story Writing Contest, 2025. On August 1, 2025, the Trajectory Journal accepted his story "Capeman," which will appear in its Fall 2026 issue. On August 7, The Milk House, a small journal out of Ireland, posted his story "The Escapee's Lover."
One could go on and on about his writing. He worked countless hours typing on his computer, on his typewriter, and on jotting down ideas for all of his stories, with "Mama Kitty" proofreading all his work. We will miss stepping beside him to talk to him while he was at his computer, sharing a story, or just checking in.
He was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, keeping his terrible towel hanging in his office while he wrote. He also enjoyed watching the Pittsburgh Pirates, Penn State, U.S.A. Women's Soccer, Jeopardy, and Family Feud. Most nights you could catch him with the TV on silent, reading a book in his chair, with his favorite furry friend, Clancy, by his side.
His greatest joy was his family, and he faithfully attended his grandchildren's sporting events, recitals and school plays.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Pauline "Maggie" McFadden; daughter, Deirdre "McBean" Harrington (Rob); grandchildren, Bridgid "Bridgie Bumpkin" McFadden, Brendan "Fuzzy" Harrington, Brian "Happy" Harrington, and Bradley "Big Bad Brad" Harrington; great-grandson, Colton Harrington; sister, Dorothy Green; sister-in-law, Heidi Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, brother, David Brown; and his longtime best friend, T-Ray Beatty, whom he is now eagerly enjoying a cold Genny Cream Ale with.
Relatives and friends are invited to calling hours on Sunday, August 17, from noon to 3:00 p.m., at Armer Funeral Home Inc., 39 E. High St., Ballston Spa. A service will be held at 3:00 p.m. Relatives and friends are welcome to come to Summerhill, for refreshments and to share memories, if able.
The family would like to thank Harmony Corners Fire Dept. and the First Responders that helped numerous times in the last few years.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Dennis may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Online remembrances may be made at www.armerfuneralhome.com