1950 – 2021
Rumford - John E. Madigan Jr., 71, of Wyman Hill Road died Wednesday, June 2, 2021 at his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer. He was born in Lynn, MA on March 31, 1950, a son of the late John and Georgianna (Boivin) Madigan, Sr. He was raised and educated in Lynn where he was highly involved in the Boy Scouts of America, earning his Eagle Scout rank, and graduated from Lynn Classical High School, Class of 1967. He served in the United States Army as a Salvage Diver from 1968 to 1971,in the 523rd Engineering Company, Port and Bridge Construction. He was honorably discharged as a Vietnam Veteran and then graduated from the University of Maine at Orono, College of Business Administration in 1978.
John married his true love, Mary Dunne on July 6, 1974. He devoted his life to his wife, family, church, and in service to his country, state, and community. A man of honesty and integrity, he served as town or city manager in multiple communities throughout Maine, beginning with the town of Monson in 1978. He served as Manager of the city of Eastport and towns of Rumford, Mexico, Dixfield, and Rangely, before retiring in July, 2020. He also worked as a Facilities Site Engineer, Construction Inspector, and General Contractor throughout Maine and New England from 1993 - 2005. He was elected to the Maine State House of Representatives where he served in the 128th Maine State Legislature.
The most joyful moments of John's life were when he was surrounded by his family and friends. Each and every holiday tradition, camping trip, backyard campfire, and large gathering was an opportunity for John to spread his deep faith and love of life. He was known for his positivity, his fun-loving spirit and for always telling a ‘Dad’ joke. He had a love of carpentry, woodworking, and gardening. His family is an image of what John built and what John grew.
Grampy John was infamous for trekking across the northeast to ensure he never missed a game, recital, play, birthday, or graduation of his grandchildren. He’d drive through the night to make it to a birth or Sacrament because he loved his family deeply.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Mary Madigan of Rumford, his seven children and their spouses, and 23 grandchildren: Eliza & Josh Gould of Wells, ME and their daughter, Anna; Erin & Daniel LaRochelle of Hartford, ME and their daughters: Evelyn, Georgianna, & Maria; Michaela & David Silva of Walpole, MA and their children: Olivia, Nicholas, & Vivian; John III and Angela Madigan of Lyman, ME and their children: Isabelle, John IV, William, & Elise; Leah & Jason Clews of Pottsville, PA and their children: Maxwell, Hudson, Quincy, Wyatt, & Alora; Sarah & Daniel Aspesi of Amesbury, MA and their children: Liliana, Ellison, & Calvin; and Benjamin & Bethany Madigan of Auburn, ME and their children: Evan, Emily, Lauren, & Julia. He is also survived by his siblings: Joanna Sebelien of MO; Kevin and Monica Madigan of RI; Bonnie Madigan of NH; Timothy & Christine Madigan of FL; Terrence & Jeanette Madigan of CT; Lisa & Curtis Hall of MO, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Madigan of VA, sister-in-law, Deborah Madigan of RI, and nephew, J.P. Madigan of RI.
You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to John’s life by visiting his guest book at www.thibaultfuneralhome.com.
Visitation will be held at Thibault Funeral Home on Sunday, June 6, from 3-6 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 7, 11:00 AM at St. Athanasius & St. John Church in Rumford. Military Committal will be held on June 14 at 12:00pm at Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care & Direction of Thibault Remembrance Center, 250 Penobscot St. Rumford. 207-364-4366.
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