Charles L. Madden, 78, a noted area artist proficient in various media, died May 7. Born in Philadelphia Madden had an interest in art from an early age, and he earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the Philadelphia College of Art in 1956. He immediately began his career as co-founder of Madden, Baron & Baron, a graphic arts and advertising firm.
In the mid-1960s he founded Contemporary Stained Glass Corp. and among his works in that medium were windows he designed for Gwynedd Mercy Chapel, The Sons of Israel Synagogue, St. Margaret Church, the Norbertine Monastery, Villanova University and many sites throughout the country. He also designed the vestments and chalice used at the principal Mass of the Eucharistic Congress in Philadelphia in 1976.
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“He was a gregarious, happy man,” said Mary Teresa Madden, his wife of more than 55 years. “He was always going forward to new horizons, stained glass, sculpture, he did it all.”
Although he had many prestigious secular projects, including commissions for Sun Oil, The Gallery in Philadelphia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and State Department work in embassies in Egypt and China, his religious commissions in the Holy Land were among his favorites, his wife said.
In 1972 he created a monumental bronze, aluminum and glass enamel sculpture of Mary’s Ascension into Heaven for the Basilica of the Annunciation in Nazareth, Israel. One of his favorites, his wife said, was the 12-foot bronze statue of St. Peter, dedicated by Pope John Paul II at Capernaum, Israel during the millennial year, 2000.
In addition to his wife, Charles Madden is survived by his sons Christopher and Charles and his daughter Teresa Moran and seven grandchildren. He was pre-deceased by his son, Michael.
His funeral Mass was celebrated May 11 at St. Alphonsus Church in Maple Glen. Interment was at St. John Neumann Cemetery in Chalfont.
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I learned of the news of Charles Madden death while asking if Fr. Peter Vasko had heard any news of him lately? “Two days ago I got an e-mail that mentioned his passing away”, was the response. Since this was at our Franciscan retreat with 100 Friars, we prayed for his soul and that Our Lord comfort his griving family. Charles I learned was an emeritus board member of the Franciscan Foundation for the Holy Land, which provides for the marginalized members of the society in the Holy Land.
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased, may his soul rest in peace.