Francis J. Madden

Madden, Francis J. “Frank” of Quincy, died April 12, 2016.  

Frank was an extremely intelligent and easy going man with a passion for his family. He was an accomplished engineer, a lover of both nature and technology. He was a proud Army Air Corp veteran of WWII. He used the GI Bill to attend Northeastern University, graduating with an engineering degree. He started his engineering career at the Boston University Physical Research Laboratory which later became Itek Corporation where he had a long and distinguished career. After retiring from Itek, he held other positions in the optical engineering field.. In 2000, he was honored by the National Reconnaissance Office as a pioneer of National Reconnaissance for his role as Itek’s Chief Engineer in the design, development and use of the United States of America’s first successful earth orbiting panoramic camera system, the CORONA Reconnaissance System. CORONA is now on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. In 2005, the National Academy of Engineering honored him as a 2005 recipient of the Charles Stark Draper Prize for his contributions to CORONA, the first space-based Earth observation system, a spy satellite system credited with giving the United States the intelligence data necessary to understand the Soviet nuclear threat and provide a more secure America

Frank had many hobbies; his love of photography was a constant. He particularly enjoyed taking pictures of natural settings, his home is adorned with his photographs and he has made his pictures available to all by showings at venues such as the Quincy Public library. 

Upon retirement from his paid engineering career he continued to work by volunteering. He worked with a local church to establish a program assisting immigrants seeking employment. Frank was an especially strong promoter of education: he played a founding role in establishing the Northeastern University RE-SEED program –Retirees Enhancing Science Education through Experiments and Demonstrations.  Now in its twenty-fifth year, it puts retired scientists and engineers into classrooms exciting students about science through hands-on science in the classroom.  Frank spent many hours inspiring students in Quincy public schools

Even with all his professional success, his proudest accomplishment was family. He loved spending time with his family, skiing, hiking and being outdoors. He led by example, instilling in them the value of honesty, hard work, education and respect for others. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him because his kindness touched them all.

Beloved husband of 66 years to Anne (O’Sullivan) Madden of Quincy. Cherished father of Steven Madden and his wife Margie of Puerto Rico, Elaine Schatzel and her husband John of Foxboro, Annette Jackson and her husband Rick of Foxboro, Bill Madden and his wife Susan of Milton, and Greg Madden and his wife Susan of Silver Spring, MD. 

Sister of the late Maude Madden, Paul, Lydia Sullivan, John, Anna Kirby, Edward, and Lucy Roche. Devoted grandfather of Nicholas, Sarah, and Sidney Madden, Beth Schatzel-Murphy and her husband Kenneth, Carolyn Schatzel and her husband Todd Liming, Jake Schatzel and his wife Kristen Smith Schatzel, Rick Jackson and his girlfriend Susanna Kaumeyer, Alanna Jackson, and Kara, Kerry, and James Madden. Loving great grandfather of Charlotte Murphy, Kellen and Olivia Liming, and Ryan Madden. Also survived by many nieces and nephews. 

At Frank’s request, services celebrating his life will be held at a later date.  

 Donations in his name may be made to Northeastern University and SHOULD INCLUDE A NOTE in the memo line indicating the gift should be directed to the RE SEED. 

 Checks should be mailed to:

Northeastern University 

118 Cushing Hall

360 Huntington Avenue

Boston, MA 02115

 To make a gift by credit card, please head to www.northeastern.edu/empower/giving/ways-to-give-to-northeastern and submit an online giving form. Please write down RE SEED Program in the Special Instructions comment box.