Thomas Wynn Cadden

Born September 4, 1933, Thomas Wynn Cadden, son of the late Martin Francis Cadden and the late Marie Wynn Cadden in Atlanta, Georgia, died peacefully at the Cleveland Clinic Vero Beach Hospital on March 31, 2025 at the age of 91.
Thomas, known by family and friends as Tom, graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in engineering. He then served in the United States Air Force ROTC flying Strategic Air Command missions across the globe as a combat-ready pilot for nearly four years. After the Air Force he had a successful career in the corrugated container industry. He rose to Senior Vice President of Stone Container Corporation where he spent a majority of his career in Chicago, Illinois. His final enterprise was Chief Executive Officer of S&G Packaging Company before retiring to Indian River Shores in 1999.
Tom and his late wife, Joan Hathaway Cadden were married March 19, 1955. His career afforded them to live in many regions of the United States from Connecticut to California with many states in-between. They spent some years living in Carmel by the Sea, California during the time that Clint Eastwood was Mayor. This was an inspiration for Tom witnessing Mr. Eastwood's dedication to preserving the beauty of the Carmel area.
Tom Cadden served as Mayor of Indian River Shores for 14 years. He had two great wins when he was Mayor, the preservation of the Lost Tree Islands in the lagoon and the defeat of attempts to impose a charter form of government on Indian River County in 2008. Tom was known for delivering tens of thousands in campaign checks that he collected personally from living rooms and businesses throughout the 32963 zip code. He also "generously bestowed his sage advice and, by example, his no-nonsense leadership style on up-and-coming politicians who aspired to leadership positions in Indian River County." He was known to his fellows as a "great American." Tom also served as Board President for The Vero Beach Country Club for many years helping to advance improvements for all members.
Tom Cadden, a longtime parishioner at Vero Beach's own Holy Cross Catholic Church, was dedicated to his wife and family. He shared his love of music, sports, fishing, hunting, and travel with all of them throughout his years. He is survived by four loving children: Thomas Wynn Cadden, Jr. (Beth), of New Smyrna Beach, Florida; Mark Hathaway Cadden of Port Canaveral, Florida; Pamela Joan Cadden of Charleston, South Carolina; and Catherine Ann Cadden (Jesse Chu), of Bali, Indonesia. He is also survived by five loving grandchildren, Rachel Dahlke (Jeff) of Columbia, South Carolina; Thomas Harold Cadden (Jessica) of Roswell, Georgia; Katherine Cadden Muserilli (Joe) of Riverview, Florida; Ozella Mei Chu Cadden of Bali, Indonesia, and Gloria DeHaven Chu Cadden of Bali, Indonesia. He is also survived by eight loving great-grandchildren: Kailey and Ryne Salas; Charles, Henry, and Jojo Muserilli; and Wynn, Tate, and Sloane Cadden.
Memorial contributions may be made to VNA/Hospice Foundation, 920 37th Place, Suite 101, Vero Beach, FL 32960.