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BORN
6/14/1950
DIED
10/28/2022
FUNERAL HOME
Juan Madry Obituary
Juan was a man of many talents. He was a three-sport athlete early in life, especially known for his play on the football field. As a Whaler, he shared lifelong bonds with many teammates, especially with football coach Bob Weiss. He also played a few seasons at UConn while attaining his bachelor's degree. After college, Juan married his high school sweetheart Patricia Tunucci, and settled in San Francisco, Calif., where they gave birth to their sons, Valdez and Justin Madry, but New London, was always their home.
Juan enjoyed listening to music, playing his saxophone and creating art, especially painting. Many of his passions were on full display at his old restaurant, Don Juan's, in Hodges Square, opened with friend Donzell Johnson. Juan was a spiritual man. He attended service at Madry Temple, where he often played his saxophone. He enjoyed watching the news and Jeopardy regularly, and never missed a Yankees game on the radio. He loved spending time with family and friends, helping people in his building with errands, but nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his grandkids and checking on their dogs, Cocoa and Rosie.
Juan is survived by his mother Edna R. Madry; his sister Nancy Devine and her husband Peter and their children, Mona Kronholm and her husband John (Simone and Lucian Kronholm) and Alexis Devine (Tyler Devine and Miles Hightower) and her partner Abbott Burrell; his sister Edna "Rod" Weekes and her husband Michael and their children, Aixa, Rykiel and Ariel Weekes; his brother Pastor Jack E. Madry and his wife Faye Madry and their children, Nakia Madry-Smith and husband Duane, Joaquin Madry and wife Cristina Madry (Valentina, Shira, and Carolina Madry); his son Valdez Madry and girlfriend Carmen Kievits; and dogs, Tyson and Brooklyn; his son Justin Madry and wife Aileen Madry; and granddaughters, Julianna Gray and Layla Madry, and their dogs, Cocoa and Rosie. Longtime friends, John Tapley, Abraham Velazquez, Sean Ruth and Patricia Madry held a special place in his heart; as well as his nephew Giovanni Tunucci. He was predeceased by his father John R. Madry; and nephew James "Jimmy" Devine.
Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, at Madry Temple Church, 27 Manwaring Street, New London. Any donations in Juan's memory can be sent to Madry Temple c/o Juan, P.O Box 787 New London, CT. Please visit www.byles.com to sign the guestbook, share a memory or for directions.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Juan Madry
Sponsored by Byles Memorial Home - New London.
Cathy Counts
April 11, 2023
I only knew Juan for one year at UCONN in Storrs, but I never forgot him. He always seemed such a calm and peaceful presence. I was a theater arts and English major and we were in at least one production there together. I had to leave after my freshman year and return home to care for my mother. Every once in a while, he would just pop up in my mind, as happened tonight. I´m sorry to see that he has passed, but glad to see what a beautiful life he had and how many people he blessed for the simple matter of his being. -Cathy Counts
Ronald Almond
November 13, 2022
May the Madry Family & Friends find comfort in the Lord during this difficult time. Rest in Heaven, Juan.
Karen Perry
November 10, 2022
I´m so saddened by the news of Juan passing as I just found out on 11/10. Im sending my thoughts and prayers to all of Juans family and close friends. I have the best memories of our time working together at Don Juan´s. Our biggest laugh was when I would ask if Maria´s painting was done yet and he would say, "not yet, I have a few more touch ups to make" He started this painting when Maria was 5 years old and she is now almost 35 years old. Lol I will never forget you Juan Kat!!! Love you always and forever. Until we meet again. Karen Norton Perry
Way Hedding
November 5, 2022
Sadly missed along lifes way, quietly remembered every day. No longer in our lives to share, but in our hearts, you will always stay.
With our deepest sympathy, Way and Melinda Hedding
Janice Rogovin
November 5, 2022
My sincere condolences to Juan´s family and loved ones.
Juan and I were in the same class in high school. When I think of him I think of the good times back then. He was a key player on exciting football and basketball teams, fun to know and always cool. I kept tabs on him over the years, interested to know what he was up to. When it came time for reunions, I was usually asking, Is Juan coming? It wouldn´t seem complete without him. I was so happy when he showed up, as he did a few years ago at our 50th.
I will miss seeing him and catching up during visits to NL. For me he will always be a star that shines.
Jane Bernoudy
November 5, 2022
i pray that the Holy Spirit will be a comfort to you and give you peace. Remembering my classmate brings me joy. i will miss seeing him every time I visit Madry Temple or walk down State Street.
Sean Christian Ruth
November 5, 2022
Juan Madry, A True Renaissance Man. My earliest memories of you were hearing your name by kids in our neighborhood. Whenever a child at the playground scored a touchdown, made a great reception or a fine play on the offensive side of the ball they'd shout out "Madry" in honor of your Gridiron Greatness. You compromised half (along with Monty Speedwell) of the Best Backfield in New London Whalers history. At UConn you continued to set records on both sides of the field. You could have attended any NCAA Top 20 team, yet you followed your heart to Storrs, Ct to be with the Love of Your Life, Patricia Tunucci. A true romantic.
Growing up I had the pleasure of knowing your Brother in Law Peter Devne. Peter, a Professor of Art was a colleague of my Fathers at Mitchell College. I remember meeting your beautiful sister, Nancy at a Faculty Picnic. Your Nephew (the late) Jimmy Devine was a constant participant in many a Sandlot Baseball Game at Mitchell Woods, Toby May and Nathan Hale. I was familiar with your higher education and athletic prowess (from Peter, Nancy & Jimmy) long before we became friends. My first impressions of you was your kindness, compassion and gentle demeanor as you trained me at Mystic Margaritaville. Not only did I have the Consumate Professional as a Co-Worker but a True Sports Fan, Jazz Aficionado and a man who created pure beauty for one's eyes through swirls of paint and the strokes of a brush. I was heartbroken when you left to open your own restaurant Don Juans (with another fine individual, Donzell Johnson). The atmosphere relaxing, the fare that no one was familiar with let alone tasted and absolutely impeccable service. A 5 Star Review from The New York Times is written proof of the aforementioned. Yet my favorite part of the "Don Juans Experience" was how kind and decent you treated the lady I'd be dining with. You'd always invite us to stay after the restaurant closed and drink wine, exchange perspectives on art, delve into stories of studio musician's on recording sessions classic jazz albums. Update one another on Music, Movies, Sports, Restaurants and Pop Culture.
At the same time that we befriended one another I had the pleasure of meeting your children, Valdez and Justin. Two Men that had the same interests as their Father. Now as adults they have become of mine. . They are the type of children that every parent would consider themselves lucky to have. They have their fingers on the pulse contemporary events, both blessed with excellent taste and are the epitome of class!!! A textbook example of the "Apple Not Falling Far From The Tree".
Seldom did Juan miss a Beach Day. From Mid May until the Month of October did we not go to Harkness, Ocean Beach, Mitchell College Beach or The Strand. Old School Approach. Transistor radio, 2-3 newspapers, 4-5 periodicals, lunch and a Frisbee. Perfect ingredients for a Spectacular Day.
During the 30 plus years that I've known you, not a cross word was ever said about you. Nothing but high praise, compliments and reverence. You are not only the most liked human being that I've ever known, but the most admired.
You always had kind words and fond memories of your former colleagues. Cocktail Waitress' Becka and Holly. Waiters Chris Congdon, Luscious Larry Raymond and Ed Bowland Hostess Kerry-Ann, Christine Z and Tia Rae. Bartenders James Glaspie and Bobby T to name just a few. You treated dishwashers such as Scott and Danny no different than a General Manager. You were/are One of a Kind, A True Original, The Salt of the Earth. I'll miss you every day for the rest of my life. I'm grateful to God for blessing us with you. My Boss, My Co-Worker, My Friend. My Brother. Juan Marcel Madry. A True Renaissance Man.
Sylvia Baird
November 4, 2022
A true "gentleman" who left a lasting impression.
Dr. Patricia Sebastian
November 4, 2022
Community Meal
I will certainly miss seeing Juan every week at the Church of the City’s Community Meal. He took upon himself the task of picking up meals for his disabled or elderly neighbors and friends. He was always pleasant and ready to exchange uplifting and encouraging words of appreciation. He remained faithful to that calling throughout the pandemic, never disappointed with our requirements of masking, distancing, serving outside and now a takeout service. I will truly miss such a faithful college.
Dr. Patricia Sebastian
Margo Jackson
November 4, 2022
My prayers and condolences to the Madry Family. Growing up in New London there are those people who leave an indelible impression in your memory, Juan is definitely in that class. We will miss your humble and kind spirit.
Stephen linicus
November 4, 2022
Juan, was a friend, and the kindest, person to everyone he meet, he was a new london man.
Angelica Greco
November 3, 2022
To Dez and all family of Juan,
My most sincere condolences to you all. Dez- you’re like my bonus brother. I know your dad was am amazing man and will be missed by so many. I hope the memories you have with him bring healing to your broken heart when you’re feeling down. I have read a lot of these entries and it seems like you share all his good qualities. Remember, you and your brother are his living legacy and he’s watching over you as your biggest Guardian Angel. I am praying for you and your family and sending love and hugs.
Robert Lee
November 3, 2022
Juan was my classmate and teammate on the undefeated whaler team. My he rest in heaven. My condolences to the family. Gone but will never be forgotten.
Bruce McDermott
November 3, 2022
Juan was a great guy and a friend of the arts. He an Donzel had a special place when they had their restaurant. Juan was a real gentleman and he will be missed.
Daniel Camacho
November 3, 2022
Juan my dear brother I will miss your hugs and kind heart you will always be on my mind with all the amazingly great conversations we had and your loving caring heart ... I love and miss you dearly my dear brother ... Till we meet again brother ...
Danny 11/03/2022
Ruth Graham Johnson
November 3, 2022
With sympathy and my condolences remembering one of my 1969 NLHS classmates,
gene godein
November 3, 2022
We have lost a brother and a friend. I will miss the talks we had over the years over just about anything but especially family. Heartfelt condolences to the Madry family. Juan, may you rest in peace, we will all miss you>
Henry Kydd
November 3, 2022
Juan, a gentle soul who left a deep impression on everyone he met, all though we
traveled on different paths when we saw each other Juan made you feel like a long lost
friend.
Henry & Pam Kydd
Nancy and Paul Gray
November 2, 2022
Justin,
We are very sorry for the loss of your Dad. We really enjoyed talking with him the few times we saw him at Julianna´s events. He was always happy to see us and he was a joy to talk with. Our sincere condolences to you and your entire family. He will be missed be many.
Richard Sargent
November 2, 2022
Jack I am saddened to hear of your loss. May long time memories provide you with some comfort
Ed & Paula Beckwith
November 2, 2022
Jack & Faye Madry~& family, so sorry to hear of the passing of your brother Juan, our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Our Deepest Condolences
Jeffrey L. Walker
November 2, 2022
Juan....a good person and even a greater friend. Gonna miss you....rest easy.
Donzel Johnson
November 2, 2022
God bless you and your family. This was a very special man. Always full of love and compassion. He will be missed.
Mike Fratus
November 2, 2022
My deepest sympathy to the family!
Vernon T Mitchell
November 2, 2022
My deepest condolences to the family. We will miss you my friend.
Becky Evered (Ralston)
November 2, 2022
My sincere condolences on your loss. I had the pleasure of working with Juan at the “Ville” in Mystic. He always had a kind word to say or a story to share He will be greatly missed. To this day, every time I hear an Earth, Wind & Fire song, I think of Juan singing & dancing. Rest In Peace.
Eric Gray
November 2, 2022
Justin , Very sorry for your loss. My condolences to you and your family.
Charity Dell
November 2, 2022
Brother Juan--I hope to see you in the New Jerusalem, waving your palm branch of victory! I have one especially fond memory of you, as we grew up together in Pentecostal Temple COGIC at 80 Jefferson Avenue in New London. I remember you singing in the group "The Madryettes," which was composed of singers Nancy Madry, Charles Irving Kelley, you, and Christopher Horton played the organ. One Sunday morning you really sang out and gave a sincere performance that really touched me that day. It may have been the black gospel song "Well Done," or the jaunty, cheerful song "Happy On My Way." Even now, when I hear these old classics, I picture the Madryettes singing these beautiful songs of praise and perseverance in the Christian pilgrimage from our Black Gospel and Pentecostal heritage; and I always picture you leading the songs. I never forgot that performance and remember my mother--Missionary Jacqueline R. Dell--commenting on how sincerely you sang that particular Sunday. May you sing on in the courts of the New Jerusalem in Heaven, "the mother of us all." (Galatians 4:26) May God comfort your mother and siblings; may Jesus Christ, our Good Shepherd, lead and guide your family and friends who miss you; may the Holy Ghost--the Spirit of the Living God--empower all who knew you with divine grace and "Joy unspeakable and full of glory" (I Peter 1:8); until we all come to "the new heavens and new earth," where God wipes away all tears from our faces and the Lamb of God is its everlasting light! AMEN.
Katherine Sebastian
November 2, 2022
Dear Pat and the family of Juan Madry,
We extend our deep sympathy on the passing of Juan to the Spirit world.
May Creator comfort you with loving memories.
We are grateful for Juan, a life of Light, Joy, Beauty, Kindness, and Love.
We are always inspired by his legendary artistic, musical and athletic skills.
Honoring our Creator, Juan has everlasting Life and Peace.
Love,
Kathy Sebastian Dring and the Sebastian family
Yvette Norman
November 2, 2022
May you rest in peace. The last time I saw you, we spoke of old times. You will be greatly missed.
Barbara Enos (Campo)
November 2, 2022
Jack and Faye-I don't know if you remember me. You both purchased the home I lived in on Juniper Hill. I had the pleasure of living next door to Juan and I enjoyed talking to him very much. He was sweet, kind and friendly. I am so sorry for your loss.
Barbara Enos (Campo)
Steve and Michelle lewis
November 2, 2022
Juan. Your going to be missed. It was a pleasure to know you . Rest in peace my friend .
Laura Light
November 2, 2022
Such a lovely man, I still talk about Don Juan’s being the best restaurant, and I’ll never forget hearing his sax as the kids and I walked through the woods at the arboretum ❤
christopher marquette
November 1, 2022
I worked for Juan at the USCGA Officer's Club when he was the manager. A dear sweet human being who I liked very much. My condolences to his family.
Min Matthew Levey
November 1, 2022
A quiet gentle man that show interest in others well being. A man that loves and respect everyone he meets with a warm smile. The last time we talk was at the Mohegan Sun laughing eating lollipop chicken reminiscing about time stealthily creeps on us as we age. The last time I spoke to Juan was October 23 2022 at Madry Temple Church. I always amaze at how he looks to his brother for spiritual guidance anticipating to hear words of wisdom coming from his younger brother mouth who is Pastor Jack E Madry. Certainly going to miss you sitting on the front role of the church. R.I.P. Juan M Madry
Chelle Messina
November 1, 2022
I am deeply, deeply sad for the loss of Juan. He had a profound influence on my life. Because of Juan, I tried my hand at painting 30 years ago. The course of my life would have likely been very different without his inspiration and encouragement. My heart breaks for his wonderful, warm, beautiful family. Please accept my condolences. With love, Chelle Messina
Gwen Sebastian-Hill
November 1, 2022
Sending many heartfelt prayers for the family and friends of Juan. He will be missed. May the Creator watch over and care for him.
Barbara Severini
November 1, 2022
So very sorry to hear this! I saw him just a short while ago and we exchanged words. This is a great loss. He was a wonderful person.
Jon Tapley
November 1, 2022
A lifetime of friendship says it all for me. Going to miss you Juan, my friend, my brother.
Pauline Milner
November 1, 2022
Rest In Peace Juany
David Ellis
November 1, 2022
I had the opportunity to play football with Juan on the undefeated NLHS 1968 football team. He was arguably the greatest running back at NLHS. I would like to express my condolences to his family. Rest In Peace Juan!
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