Robert Louis Madison

Robert Louis Madison died on Thursday, March 12th, 2026, of natural causes. He was born in Dowagiac, Ml, the son of Charles and Margaret Madison on April 26, 1940.

He grew up in Holland, MI; graduated from the University of Michigan (BA); and earned Master's Degrees from Roosevelt University (MPA) and George Washington University (MSA). A Navy Supply Corps Officer on active duty for ten years, he had assignments aboard ships in both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans; and he had two tours of duty in Vietnam. Then, he was a civilian employee at the Navy Accounting and Finance Center, serving in a variety of assignments, including over a decade as head of Navy military pay systems. He received the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Medal. He met Joanne Dula at NAFC, and married her on November 24, 1984.

A member of the implementation team that created the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, he retired from that agency with the DFAS Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. He also retired from the Naval Reserve as a Navy Captain.

In retirement, he was active in volunteer work, including being a docent at Carlyle House for 14 years, being a long-time officer of the Alexandria Historical Society, giving walking tours of Alexandria, and writing the book Walking with Washington. He received the Alexandria History Award in 2012.

He and his wife moved to Greenspring retirement community in Springfield, VA, in 2011, where he served on the Resident Council and was Chair of the Catholic Council and Co-Chair of the Players.

He is survived by his wife, Joanne Dula Madison of Springfield, VA; his sister, Mary White of Port Orange, FL; his brother C. John Madison of Holland, MI; 17 nieces and nephews; and numerous grand and great grand nieces and nephews.

A viewing will take place at St. Bernadette Catholic Church in Springfield, Virginia. On Friday, April 10th, 2026 at 10am. Mass to follow.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to Carlyle House; 121 N. Fairfax St; Alexandria, VA. 22314.