Carman for Penn. Central Railroad
Published in the March 18, 2016 edition
MELROSE — Robert B. Madigan passed away at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital on Sunday March 13. He was 91 years old.
Robert was born in Boston on Nov. 2, 1924 to the late Michael and Bessie (Kelly) Madigan. He was raised in Allston and graduated from Brighton High School, where he played football, hockey and baseball regardless of his disability. Mr. Madigan continued to play hockey after high school and attended Boston Trade School. Robert worked as a carman for Penn Central Railroad for over 40 years. After getting married, he and his late wife Mary lived in Dorchester and Cambridge for a few years before moving their family to Melrose in 1975.
Mr. Madigan loved the Bruins and Red Sox, was a Boston sports fan and enjoyed tooling around on his motorcycle in his early years. Robert enjoyed spending time in West Palm Beach, Fla. in the winter but was most happy spending time with his family and was completely devoted to his grandchildren.
Mr. Madigan was the beloved husband of the late Mary (Tzannos) Madigan. He was the loving father of Robert M. Madigan and his wife Connie of Florida; Patricia E. McCabe and her late husband Paul of Hampton, N.H.; Michael L. Madigan and his wife Michelle of Missouri, and Gregory P. Madigan and his wife Theresa of Melrose. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.
Visitation was held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 West Foster St. Melrose, on Thursday, March 17. A funeral service at the funeral home will be held on Friday, March 18 at 10 a.m. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Burial will follow at Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Robert’s name to the Jimmy Fund, 10 Brookline Pl, Brookline MA 02445 or at www.jimmyfund.org. To send a message of condolence, visit www.gatelyfh.com.
