Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Madden, John Joseph November 7, 1938
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Dorothy Strawhand http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00034.html#0008405 December 14, 2024, 2:30 pm

Norfolk Virginian Pilot November 8, 1938

                 John Madden, Prominent in Theatre Dies

       Funeral Services for Popular Stage and Sports Figure Tomorrow

John Joseph Madden, a prominent and popular figure in local theatrical and 
sports circles, died yesterday morning at his residence, 1208 DeBree Avenue, 
after a long illness. He was 57 years old. 
A native of Norfolk, Mr. Madden almost his entire life was connected with local 
theatres and sports arenas. At one time he was an inspector for the State Boxing 
and Wrestling Commission. He managed several prize fighters and was a close 
friend of such well known pugilists as Mickey Walker and Midget Wolgast. He was 
active in promoting local prize fights. The walls of the room he maintained at a 
downtown hotel were covered with autographed photographs of boxers, wrestlers, 
race horses and stage and screen stars. 
                               Managed Pageant
During the Jamestown Exposition, in 1907, Mr. Madden managed a pageant, 
"Pocahontas." After the exposition, the show went on the road and Mr. Madden 
went along. This was one of the few times that he worked outside of Norfolk.
Early in his career, Mr. Madden was treasurer of the old Academy of Music. 
Shortly afterward, he became treasurer of the Colonial Theatre, which was then a 
vaudeville house.
Thirty years ago, Mr. Madden became associated with Otto Wells. His first job 
was handling the advertising for the old Granby Theatre. Later, he was made 
manager of the Wells Theatre, which showed movies exclusively.
                               Won Wide Attention
It was during his years at the Wells that he made a name for himself as a 
promoter. To advertise a motion picture dealing with Adam and Eve, Mr. Madden 
hired a couple and sent them into the Cape Henry desert, to live as best they 
could. The stunt attracted nationwide attention.
When the Wells Theatre changed hands in 1928, Mr. Madden remained at his old 
post for a few months and then was transferred to the managership of the new 
Granby Theatre. Three years ago he resigned and since had been free lancing, 
handling advertising for road shows that came to Norfolk, promoting sports 
events and running a concession at Ocean View. His activities at Ocean View 
dated back 30 years.
Mr. Madden was known throughout this section. He was a life member of Norfolk 
Lodge No. 38, B.P.O.E and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
A bachelor, Mr. Madden is survived by one sister, Miss Mary Elizabeth Madden and 
one brother, Frank V. Madden, both of Norfolk.
Funeral services will be conducted tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock in Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church, Blow Street and Princess Anne Road and burial will be in 
St. Mary's Cemetery.  Rosary services will be conducted tonight at 8 o'clock at 
the H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, Colonial and Shirley Avenues.
******************************************************************************

MADDEN, JOHN JOSEPH - At the residence, No. 1208 DeBree Avenue, Monday, November 
7, 1938, at 10:30 o'clock a.m., JOHN JOSEPH, son of the late James and Mrs. 
Ellen Ryan Madden, in the 58th year of his age. Remains will be taken from the 
H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, No. 1501 Colonial Avenue, to Sacred Heart 
Catholic Church for services WEDNESDAY MORNING at 10 o'clock. Friends of the 
family are invited to attend. Interment, St. Mary's Cemetery. Rosary services at 
the H.D. Oliver Funeral Apartments, THIS (Tuesday) EVENING at 8 o'clock.

Norfolk Virginian Pilot November 8, 1938        
******************************************************************************

                Funeral Rites Held Yesterday For J. J. Madden
Funeral services for John Joseph Madden, prominent for 40 years in the show 
business and sports circles here, were held yesterday at 10 a.m. at the Sacred 
Heart Catholic Church. Mr. Madden was buried in St. Mary’s cemetery.
The Rev. T. P. Scannell conducted the funeral services. The Rev. E. P. Kilgalen, 
the Kev. R. B. Kealey and the Rev. Paul V. Heller were in the sanctuary. At the 
conclusion of mass, the Rev. E. P. Kilgalen explained the death message and 
praised the charitable deeds of Mr. Madden. Mrs. E. E. Barley sang “Ave Maria,” 
“Veni Jesu Amor Mi,” and “Abide With Me.” Prof. J. Harvey Stevens was the 
accompanist.
The services at the grave were conducted by the Rev. Paul V. Heller. The casket 
was covered with white chrysanthemums, red roses and fern. Pallbearers were Otto 
Wells, J. Walter Bracken, Bush Creekmore, Dr. R. H. Peake, Joseph Marcus, R. M. 
Eastwood, L. F. Perkins and Lee F. Lawler.

Norfolk Virginian-Pilot  November 10, 1938


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/norfolkcity/obits/m/madden13906nob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/vafiles/

File size: 5.3 Kb