Joseph Madigan Obituary

To the Madigan Family,
I've only just learned of his passing, but I'd like to express my deepest sympathy in your loss. For me there will never be a store to compare with Madigan's. As a young woman, the North Riverside Madigan's was my store of choice, and yes, I was mad, mad, mad about Madigan's. All the big events in my life were in some way connected to your store. I still have many of my purchases, and even treasure the boxes they came in. I once happened to be in the store when I saw a very handsome and distinguished man close by to me, surrounded by some employees and wearing a Homburg hat. There seemed to be a flurry of whispers surrounding his appearance, and when I asked my saleswoman who he was, she informed me that HE was Mr. Madigan. I could tell he was well liked by the excitement on the faces of his staff. It's been many years since that day, but the experience has stayed with me, and I was thrilled just to see the man who was the head of this wonderful and, to me, magical store. Thank you all for sharing Mr. Madigan, his talents, and incomparable stores with us.

Joe was a great guy to work with at Notre Dame. We were together in Blue Circle. What a fine family and wonderful reputation he leaves behind, a credit to ND.

Mrs. Madigan and family
I remember the Madigan family well when they lived on Euclid Ave in Oak Park. The family was one of our faithful customers. I worked with my father in the landscaping business, Heppner & Son, and maintained the property of Jospeh's parents there on Euclid Ave for many years. I do remember the children, young Joe who was just a few years older than I and also remember Nancy as she would sit on the porch stairs and watch us working. They were a fine family to work for and I have only pleasant memories of those days. Our family spent many hours at the Madigan store in Winstosn Plaza, Melrose Park and the service there was exemplary. It is a wonderful era that is gone forever, but lives on in good memories. Our heartfelt sympathy.

Ken and Marilyn Heppner
Maywood, IL

Mrs. Madigan & family,
My very first job was as a stock girl with Madigans in Winston Park, but my history of your husband's legend has been with me all my life. My mother, Lee Mazzuca, spoke of you, Bette, with many fond memories. Many condolences to you and yours. (Mr. Madigan's obit was passed on to me through Mrs. Laverne Kula, mom and Mrs. Kula were alway close until mom's passing 3 yrs. ago) Our family may have always been upset that mom put in so many hours of dedication at Madigan's, but we all were ever so grateful!
Sincerely,
Jerri, Jim, and Stephanie Mazzuca

Dear Mrs. Madigan & family:

I had the great pleasure of working at Madigan's when I was just starting out in my Creative career. From the River Forest office I designed, produced & distributed the signage for all the stores' Sales & Promotions. I was then part of the team that conceived of & implemented the In-store & Window displays at the stores in Winston Park Plaza, Yorktown, North Riverside and Woodfield. As you must know, the 2nd year we entered a world-wide Industry contest sponsored by "Views and Reviews" magazine we came in 1st Place.

I am forever grateful to Mr. Madigan for his foresight and his
support.

I hope you find some comfort in the knowledge that so many people have such fond memories of Mr. Madigan and of the company he built.

As a long time employee (52 years) of Madigans corporate offices my sincere sympathy to the family. I have many fond memories of the people I worked with. Please keep in touch.

Dear Mr & Mrs. Madigan's, family and friends:

I was so sad to read about Mr. Madigan's passing away. I am a long time customer of Madigan's Store when It was in Melrose Park. When Mr. Madigan closed the store, I called and spoke with his secretary and ask that she thank him for all the years he serviced the community and others with the most exciting and fashionalble clothes, Jewerly, shoes and other fineries. God Bless You Mr. Madigan and your family. May you rest in peace knowing that you made many, many people happy and thankful.

Your (always will be customer)

Lucille

Dear Mrs Madigan and Family, You are in the hearts and prayers of so many people. It was such an honor and a pleasure to be a part of the Madigans stores. Mr Madigan and Joe and John right there beside us, working so hard. Always leading us by good example. So many of us still get together and talk fondly of our times there. Please know Mr Madigan always had our admiration and respect and he and the rest of the family always will.

Dear Mrs. Madigan and Family,
I can only hope that is some way, Mr. Madigan knew of the legacy he created and indeed has left in the Chicago area retail environment. So many of us are still using the skills that we learned by working under his direction and supervision! There is indeed a proud network of former employees that cherish and enjoy our Madigans memories! And all one has to do is say that you "worked at Madigans" and inevitably you get the response, "Oh, I just LOVED that store!" Also,those of us that were able to work closely with him also came to see a sensitive, caring man that was behind everything he dared to accomplish in his stores. And oh my goodness, how proud he was of his family! God bless you at this difficult time. Please know that we share in your sorrow and are indeed better for having known and worked for Mr. Madigan.

Such wonderful memories working at Madigans for many years. Mr. Madigan was a class act and such an inspiration. God bless you and your family.
Thank you...

(Visual Fashion Coordinator + Management)

My deepest sympathy to the whole Madigan family. I thoroughly enjoyed working for Mr. Madigan, it was an experience that I will never forget. Thru those years I met many wonderful people (co-workers & customers). People still talk about how much they miss Madigans where they would be able to shop for the whole family. Mr. Madigan had a special creative insight which showed thru the designs of all of his store locations. He truly will be missed and remembered by many people.

Mr. Madigan was a class act just like his stores. I have missed Madigans every day and often talk about what a great store it was and how it is missed, thanks to Mr. Madigan and his family. So sad when they closed, no store will ever be like it, and so sorry for your loss of a wonderful man.

JOE DID EVERYTHING THAT I thought I would like to emulate
We grew up on Madison and Crawford. Starting about 1938
I admired him and would see him In the neighborhood. Often
we would casually meet on the street.

Norman Davis

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

Always shopped at Madigans on the west side. They always treated their customer with respect. Thanks Mr. Madigan

I cannot express how sad I feel over the death of
Joseph D. Madigan Jr.
He was an exceptional individual who was greatly admired by so many.

George R. Schumann

Maria: Our sincere condolences on the passing of your father. We are certain that you will cherish your many memories of him.

Fondly,

Mary Anne Benden & Timothy M. Bopp

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Mr. Madigan -

Thank you for being an inspiration in my life. Your ingenuity and persistence taught me you can do almost anything if you put your mind to it.

You live on in my heart and my memories.

I had the pleasure of working for this humble leader from 1980-1989 at the corporate office in River Forest. I took with me throughout my career a work ethic as did my co-workers which resembled Mr Madigan's. We are all proud of our time there and made life-long friends.
RIP Sir, you're in the angel's wings now!!

Dear Carol,
We are deeply saddened by Joe's passing and we send our most heartfelt condolences. We will remember Joe by the happy and fun times we were blessed to share with him. His wit and charm were a trademark of his. Our lives were enhanced by knowing him.
Dr. Harold and Roseanne McGrath