John R. Madden
John R. Madden, longtime La Grange resident and beloved patriarch of the Madden family, was born on December 20, 1937 in Chicago, IL. The only child of Hazel and John J. Madden, John was a proud alumnus of St. Francis Xavier Grade School, Fenwick High School and the University of Notre Dame.
After graduating college, John served in the United States Coast Guard. He then married his soulmate, Lenore Hennebry, in 1961 and together raised five children. John welcomed 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, and John and Lenore enjoyed a life of family, a large circle of dear friends, skiing and summers in Snowmass, Colorado, until her passing in 2008.
John especially celebrated his large family, often spending much of his spare time attending his grandchildren’s youth sports and activities and what seemed like every single important milestone of his large brood, spoiling them all along the way.
John enjoyed a long and successful career in the banking industry remaining engaged and actively participating and contributing even until the time of his death.
John will be remembered for his infectious humor, devotion to loved ones and genuine care for the countless lives he touched. In a world of having, John was focused on giving. He constantly gave to those around him, bringing laughter, happiness and joy to all those who were lucky enough to share a moment with him. He will be so missed.
John R. Madden, age 86; beloved husband of the late Lenore (nee Hennebry); loving father of Mary Hayes, John J. (Cathy) Madden, Martin P. Madden, Lenore (Kolin) McCarter, and Edward J. (Kiera) Madden; proud grandfather of John R. (Sara) Madden, Kevin Madden, Clare (Varyk) Kutnick, Nora (Danny) Shannon, Edward J. McCarter, Anne L. McCarter, Frank M. McCarter, Lenore “Ellie” Hayes, Grace Hayes, Margaret “Molly” Hayes, Joseph “Joe” Madden, Elizabeth “Lizzie” Madden, Sarah “Sadie” Madden, Declan Madden, Ryan Rose Madden, James Madden, and Kean Madden; dear great-grandfather of Miller “Milly” Madden, John J. Madden, Caroline Madden, and Regan Kutnick.
Visitation 3 to 9pm Wednesday, June 12 at Hallowell & James Funeral Home, 1025 W. 55th St., Countryside, IL. Funeral Mass 10am Thursday, June 13 at Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, 700 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60611 (please meet directly at church). The Mass will be livestreamed at: https://livestream.com/oldstpats/johnmadden Interment to be held privately at Bronswood Cemetery, Oak Brook, IL. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations given to The Misericordia Home or The Foundation for Tomorrow are appreciated. Funeral Info: 708-352-6500
John Madden has always been near and dear to my heart.
Mr. Madden gave me a job as an assistant teller in the drive-thru windows at the bank in town as a sophomore during summer days in high school at LT.
The first day on the job Mr. Madden took me into the vault. Money was all in piles in there.
He looked at me, right in the eyes.
“Don’t be tempted to stick a quarter in your pocket in that drive in,” he said. “Because if you do, the next day, it will be a dollar. And in the blink of an eye, you’ll be standing right in here, sticking a handful of hundreds in your pocket. And then you’ll get caught.”
I learned another great lesson in that drive-in teller because of that experience because of Mr. Madden. Another teller was a kid that was a junior at Notre Dame. Getting straight A’s. Crushing it. I asked him how he did it. He said, “I just show up.” I show to class. I show up to go to sleep on time. I show up.”
One of the greatest lessons I ever learned, right in that teller window.
The lesson was from Mr. Madden. How he ran that bank. When there was a discrepancy with one of the teller’s balances in the bank, we’d all stay and figure it out. He never scolded anyone. He never raised his voice. He was loved. He was respected.
He was a gentleman’s gentleman.
Taught me a lot. About a lot more than the banking business.
Lucky La Grange. Lucky my family. Lucky me to to blessed with John Madden in our lives.
I learned many life lessons
I will so miss John at our Arts and Letters Council meetings. He was the most affable guy. He always made a point of coming over to me after I played piano at Mass to tell me how much he enjoyed it. Love you John.
I will so very much miss John. He was such an affable guy. He always stopped by to tell me how much he enjoyed my piano playing at our Council Mass. Love you John.
While we met only briefly, John brought joy and laughter to every encounter. His proud legacy has been passed on through his children to his grandchildren and will one day be passed on to his great grandchildren. John will be missed and never forgotten.
Dale and Laura Kutnick
Our sympathy and special prayers for Mr. Madden and all his family and friends.
Thank you Mr. Madden for taking me under your wing. Too many wonderful and joyful memories to list here, but I’ll forever be grateful for your kindness. May you be singing “Danny Boy” with our choir of loved ones in heaven.
Chris Thoms
John Madden was the most caring and wonderful man. He was always available to answer questions, share a laugh or impart a little wisdom. Our entire family cherishes his friendship and memories.
John, thank you for leaving this world a better place.
The C. Kevin Burke Family
Mad Dog, I think of you often. WE walked on together our freshman year. You held your own until Bryon Beams flattened your nose at the goading of the coaching staff. You were an all-around good guy. I’ll say a prayer for your family. Hope to join you soon.
John Renfree “59
We will all miss John’s great humor , his goodness to people, his love of Notre Dame, and his thoughtful advice and generosity.
I’m a recent friend of John’s through Msgr Ken Velo and my sincere regret is that I never met him sooner in life. Even so I witnessed a wonderful man who showed me acceptance and forbearance for what the Good Lord asked of him! Rest in Peace John. Dick Harrigan
Mr. Madden was the true definition of a Gentleman. You will be missed.
I was remotely involved in Mr Madden’s care at Plymouth Place during his latest rehab. What a privilege to meet a man of his caliber and graciousness during such a difficult period in his life. He never complained, but instead, always turned conversations toward his pride in his family. It was obvious that his family meant everything to him. His love for you all was second to none. To a true gentleman of the Greatest Generation, Well done Mr Madden, mission accomplished!
Keepshiningbright
In loving memory of Mr. John Madden, a truly exceptional man. For nearly a year, I had the honor of being his caregiver, and through that time, I came to know not only a man of strength and wisdom but also one of deep kindness and grace. Mr. Madden treated everyone around him with respect and compassion, and his warmth was felt by all who had the privilege to be near him. His resilience and positivity left a lasting impression on me, and his legacy will continue to inspire. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.