John E. Madigan Jr.
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, supervising diving crews of 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 and Josh Gould of Wells, and their daughter, Anna; Erin and Daniel LaRochelle of Hartford, and their daughters: Evelyn, Georgianna and Maria; Michaela and David Silva of Walpole, Mass., and their children: Olivia, Nicholas, and Vivian; John III and Angela Madigan of Lyman, and their children: Isabelle, John IV, William, and Elise; Leah and Jason Clews of Pottsville, Pa., and their children: Maxwell, Hudson, Quincy, Wyatt, and Alora; Sarah and Daniel Aspesi of Amesbury, Mass., and their children: Liliana, Ellison, and Calvin; and Benjamin and Bethany Madigan of Auburn, and their children: Evan, Emily, Lauren, and Julia. He is also survived by his siblings: Joanna Sebelien of Missouri; Kevin and Monica Madigan of Rhode Island; Bonnie Madigan of New Hampshire; Timothy and Christine Madigan of Florida; Terrence and Jeanette Madigan of Connecticut, Lisa and Curtis Hall of Missouri, and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his brother, Michael Madigan of Virginia, sister-in-law, Deborah Madigan of Rhode Island, and nephew, J.P. Madigan of Rhode Island.
You are invited to offer condolences and pay tribute to John’s life by visiting his guest book at http://www.thibaultfuneralhome.com.
Visitation will be held at Thibault Funeral Home on Sunday, June 6, from 3-6 p.m. A mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, June 7, 11 a.m., at St. Athanasius and St. John Church in Rumford. Military Committal will be held on June 14 at 12 p.m., at Maine Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Thibault Remembrance Center, 250 Penobscot St. Rumford. 207-364-4366.