Richard Madden

Richard Madden died peacefully in his sleep on Monday April 27, 2026 at the age of 89. He is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Mary Anne (Clifford) Madden, his loving children Karen Hanson and husband Warren Waugh, Keith and girlfriend Jennifer Koenig, and Kirsten (Madden) Hoffman and husband Kevin Hoffman. He is a very proud Grampa to seven grandchildren: Cooper and Tristan Hanson, Olivia (Madden) Muro and husband Luis Muro, Ally Madden, and Brady, Benjamin and Beckett Hoffman, as well as many nieces and nephews; his sister Helen Tencellent and sister-in-law Faye Madden. He is predeceased by his parents William F. Madden and Marguerita (Richards) Madden, his brother Bill, and brother-in-law Donald Tencellent.

Dick grew up in Waltham schools then went on to graduate from Boston College High School. He pursued his interest in mechanical engineering at Northeastern University, earning both a B.S. and M.S.. He worked in industry for one year and two years as an Assistant Professor at Northeastern University, before joining NASA Langley Research Center at Hampton, Virginia working in the Space Structures branch. He was able to develop a successful analysis of penetration problems in the design of space structures and ultimately developed a system of equations and an extensive, complex computer program, leading to an accurate description of hypervelocity impact involving meteoroids.

Always looking for new challenges, Dick attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute where he earned a Ph.D. In Engineering Mechanics. He returned to the corporate world and worked at BBN (Bolt Beranek and Newman), a consulting firm in Cambridge, MA.

Dick approached life with a calm demeanor, very confident, determined and a risk taker, always pursuing new ideas and success. He used his skill set of being a very accomplished technical person and highly respected mathematician as well as his management and marketing skills as department head at BBN. Involved in many projects over the years, one of many projects of great interest that Dick directed was in offshore structures; these included risers that transport oil and gas to and from a Spar platform (one support column) and tendons that secure deep water oil producing Tension Leg Platforms (TLP…four support columns) to the sea floor; designed specifically for long service in the harsh marine environment.

Dick decided to return to academia in 1985 as Professor and Head of the Mechanical and Energy Engineering Department at the University of Lowell. He was a teacher at heart and thoroughly enjoyed teaching courses in acoustics, noise control and design as well as working with the professors. He loved teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students, with a goal of ultimately helping them exceed their own expectations. After five years he decided to return to the corporate world and once again worked at BBN where he had both management and technical responsibilities.

In Dick’s personal life, family was most important. In the summer he would take his kids, Karen, Keith and Kirsten on vacation to the Maine shore, eating lobsters every night as well as going on camping trips, hiking in the white mountains. The kids’ backpacks were bigger than they were but they loved it. In the winter they went skiing together, Dick learning to ski in his 50’s alongside his kids. Time spent with his kids was a priority. He was a wonderful role model, instilling values and a strong work ethic. He added a beautiful pool area so the summertime was more fun for all. He also enjoyed playing golf with family and friends.

1988 became a very special year when Dick and his love Mary Anne Clifford got married. One annual event that was held for 30 years, hosted by Dick and Mary Anne along with Tony and Kitty Galaitsis, was the lamb roast; Tony being the master of cooking lambs. Many delicious side dishes were brought and enjoyed by the guests while enjoying the best tasting lamb ever.

Dick always had a special relationship with his brother and sister and loved spending time with them. He looked forward to visits with his sister Helen, often sharing their childhood memories and wonderful sense of humor. In the summer, they enjoyed each other’s company chatting by the pool and cooling off. They loved having lunch together at the Concord Inn, often joined by other family members. Dick and his younger brother Bill (aka UP for Uncle Bill) were always up for a new adventure. There was nothing they wouldn’t try together, including riding motorcycles, hang gliding, parachuting, taking helicopter flying lessons, driving a NASCAR on a speedway, and flying at Texas Air Aces in Houston where after some classroom time, went up with the pilot and did dogfighting with lasers. Somehow they always came home with all body parts attached. Dick had many close friends, too many to mention but was a trusted, loyal friend, always supportive in good times and bad.

When Dick retired at the age of 70, he and Mary Anne continued skiing with good friends and family at Waterville Valley as well as heading west to Colorado, Utah and California. They also enjoyed traveling often with good friends; some favorite places were Hawaii on the island of Kauai, also Ireland, France, Greece and Puerto Rico where Dick visited as a young boy.

There should have been so many more good times to share but it wasn’t meant to be. Sadly he was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2017 and until recently, he was fortunate enough to enjoy good quality of life in the home that he loved so much. He faced his challenges with so much grace and dignity, not wanting to be a burden on anyone. He was cared for by Mary Anne alongside some wonderful private caregivers who engaged and stimulated him, always enjoying his sense of humor; they truly loved him … as did so many. He will be missed.

Donations in his memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association .

Celebration of Life for Dick Madden

Wednesday, June 17th at noon

The Barn at Gibbett Hill

61 Lowell Road, Groton, MA