Steven Madden

1969 - 2012

Steven J. Madden

Steven John Madden, 43, born July 25, 1969, went to his Savior on October 21, 2012, after an almost six year battle with melanoma.

Steve, a graduate of Florida State University, was born in New Jersey and moved to Longwood, Florida in his youth. It was there that his lifelong hobby of photography began. Upon his high school graduation, he chose Tallahassee as his new home.

Steve, a fierce competitor with a love for any game, quickly found he had a keen understanding and enjoyment for politics. As his teammates at Lake Mary High School would attest, his Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brothers knew, and his golfing companions learned later, Steve lived - and loved - the contest itself. His love for politics and advocating for good public policy led to an extensive and successful professional career. He was strongly and deeply loyal to all on his side and a tireless champion for his candidates. His allies were always pleased to have Steve on their side and his adversaries respected his intellect and character.

That loyalty did not end at the workplace; he gave it freely to his family and his friends. He met his beautiful and loving wife, Carrie, in December of 1998 in Tallahassee. They eloped to Hawaii in 2003 and welcomed daughter Callen in 2007, and son John Robert in 2010. Theirs is a love story which grew even stronger throughout their journey together, as Steve honored his wife by saying 'she is everything I want my daughter to be and everything I hope my son falls in love with.'

As his illness progressed, Steve laid his burden with the Lord. He committed to his family there would be no sadness in his house, and that he would continue to love and laugh and live in the moment with their precious gifts, Callen and John Robert. He did just that to the amazement and admiration of all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Carrie, and two children, a daughter, Callen, and a son, John Robert, all of Tallahassee. His mother, Carol Madden of Mitchellville, Maryland. His sister, Suzanne Madden Nelson (husband Tim) of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and his brother, Kevin Madden (wife Kelly) of Clifton, Virginia. His father-in-law and mother in-law, Bob and Jean DiMuzio of Punta Gorda, Florida. His sisters-in-law Evie DiMuzio Thoner (husband Tim) of Pensacola, Florida, and Melanie DiMuzio (fiancé Brock Bigelow) of Tallahassee, Florida, as well as eight nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his father, John George Madden.

He is surrounded by the love of his church family at St. Peter's Anglican Church, where he was ministered to and comforted by Father Eric Dudley and clergy.

The family wishes to thank the many friends, colleagues, acquaintances and those whom they've never met whose heartfelt prayers and steadfast support has sustained them throughout recent months and years.

A funeral will be held Monday, October 29, 2012, at 2:00 PM at St. Peter's Anglican Church in Tallahassee with a reception to follow at the Governor's Club. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Madden Memorial Fund, Post Office Box 10805, Tallahassee, Florida 32302.

John 5:20 "For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. And greater works than these will he show him, so that you may marvel."