Charles Edward Madison Jr. of Medford, MA was born June 30, 1932 and passed away June 28, 2016. Charlie was born in Cambridge, MA. during the Depression. He was the oldest surviving child of seven. The two oldest died of pneumonia before they were 5, which would have taken Charlie's life if not for the new miracle drug of the day, Penicillin, which was given as a last resort to save his young life.
Jr., which was what his brothers and sisters called him, grew up in Cambridge helping out the family by working after school in a grocery store, as well as selling ice cream from a truck. When he was 18 he went in the army to fight in the Korean War. He took his R&R in Japan, which was very exotic to this young man.
When he finally came home he married the love of his life, Constance Ann Smith, in the spring of 1956. They went on to have three loving sons. Initially living in Somerville, they eventually bought a home on Brookings St. in Medford.
Charlie worked for Industrial Service later Thypin Steel as a Steel Cutter as his father had before him. He always worked multiple jobs, six days a week. Saving Sunday for his family after delivering newspapers with his son David before church. When he retired from Thypin he cut down to just one job! Charlie enjoyed working because he loved to socialize.
Charlie also loved to take his wife to Vegas! He and Connie would take their yearly trip to play slots, see shows, and Charlie really liked to play Roulette.
Connie passed away unexpectedly in 1992 and left a devastated Charlie. With Grandkids to focus on, he recovered balance. Spending all of the holidays with them; spoiling them with time and attention. He just wanted to be part of everyone's life so he would attend everything, graduations, birthdays, christenings, in order to share in their lives.
Charlie, Dad, Grampa, Brother, Uncle, will be missed by all that knew and loved him. His humor, love and laughter will live on in all of our hearts.
Charlie was predeceased by his wife Constance Madison, parents, Charles Madison Sr. and Stella Suski, sisters Stella Rodrigues of Tewksbury, Lily Dube of Somerville, and Lorraine McGrath of Franklin and brother John Madison of Florida. He is survived by his Sons Chuck Madison of Wisconsin, David and his wife Suzi of Lebanon NH, and Doc Madison of Medford. His Grandchildren are Jessi Martin and her husband Alex of Concord NH, Samantha Madison of Utica NY, Daniel Madison of Lebanon NH, and Christine Toolsie and her husband Peter of FL. Charlie's surviving siblings are Florence Chisholm of TX, Jackie Madison and his wife Eleanor of Cambridge, and Marie Belding and her wife Pat Callinan of Winchester. He also leaves behind many loving nieces and nephews.
A funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Joseph Church, 118 High St., Medford, on Tuesday, July 5, at 11:30 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend and may visit with the family from 9 through 11 AM at the Dello Russo Funeral Home, 306 Main St., Medford. Services will conclude with burial at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden.