Thomas J. Madison Sr.

Tom Madison was born on June 13, 1944 to Franklin and Ruth Madison (Schuller) in Deposit, NY. Upon graduation from Deposit Central High School in 1962, Tom immediately began what would be a long and illustrious career in the construction industry. Excelling as a ditch digger and day laborer, Tom’s relentless work ethic, “street smarts,” leadership qualities, and keen understanding of people led him to great success as a CEO and serial entrepreneur. T.J. Madison Construction, Megatest Development Corporation, Cruise Holidays, and McGirk’s Irish Pub include some of the businesses he pioneered.

In 1964, Tom met the love of his life, Gail Patricia “Patti” Knapp, tricked her into marrying him, and went on to preside over a close-knit and loving family. In business Tom was hard-hitting and fair, and the same was true in raising his three boys, Tom, Jr. (Albany, NY), Tim (Dallas, TX), and Kevin (Binghamton, NY). The tough love and lessons learned from their Dad have made each of the boys successful in their own right. “Senior” also adored his sons’ loving wives, Tracy (Manzo), Liz (Armstrong), and Cindy Fertitta, and his amazing grandchildren, Gunnar Madison, Morgan and Brooks Madison, and Ashley Rought.

In recent years illness slowed Tom down a bit, but it never sidelined him. He enjoyed traveling, farming, hunting, live music, hosting legendary parties and, most of all, spending time with his devoted family and legion of dear friends, chief among them Dr. Bill Jones and Lanny Kipp. Tom would never fully retire and, to the very end, he remained involved in business, presided over his “gentleman’s farm,” and stayed active with his loved ones.

Tom is survived by his devoted wife Patti, his younger brother Randall Madison (Lenexa, KS), children and grandchildren. He was predeceased by his father, Franklin Madison, mother, Ruth Madison (Hesse), and elder brother, James Madison (Denver, PA).

To honor Tom’s memory, the family encourages that donations be made to Mercy House of the Southern Tier, a community care shelter providing supportive services to people with terminal illnesses. https://mercyhousesoutherntier.com/ or (607) 321-1957.