Dennis F Madden

Dennis F. Madden Broadalbin - After a 25 year battle with prostate cancer, Dennis F. Madden born April 29, 1946, succumbed to the disease on January 8, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents Farrell D. and Evelyn M. Madden, his sister Judith Rapavy (William), Carol Elizabeth Guitar (Lee) and his best friend James R. Buhrmaster.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Elisabeth Madden (Weinrich-Podehl); his son Conor Madden (Erin), grandchildren Harper E. Madden and Karsyn A. Madden; his son Patrick Madden (Lisa Thompson) and his brother Michael Madden (Andrea); his sister-in-law Lois Buhrmaster Seyse (Will) and four brothers-in-law Frank Podehl and Drs. Mark, Jan, and Dietrich Podehl along with their families, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Dennis was born in Schenectady, NY, a graduate of Scotia-Glenville High School, where he was voted "Most Likely to Serve". He went on to graduate from Syracuse University before enlisting in the United States Army rising to the rank of Captain. He served as Aide-de-Camp at Fort Dix before returning to Scotia to serve as Aide-de-Camp for the 98th Division of the US Army Reserves.
While serving in the reserves he joined First National Bank of Scotia and began working on the American Bicentennial Celebration Commission for Schenectady County. To provide a setting for the Bicentennial Barge to visit Schenectady the Freedom Park amphitheater was created. Dennis was instrumental in the efforts to acquire the land and coordinate the community effort to create Freedom Park. Performances have been held there every summer since 1976. As a member of OAR (Organization for Action on the Riverfront) he was also essential in establishing the bike path along the Mohawk from Freemans Bridge Road to Rotterdam.

After joining a group of volunteers to save Proctors Theater from demolition, Dennis first served as Vice President in charge of Facilities and went on to become the first Executive Director of Proctors Theater.

Concurrently he was an elected Trustee of the Village of Scotia before becoming Mayor of the Village of Scotia in 1986. Over his 20 year career he served as Executive Director of Performing Arts for multiple centers across the country.

Dennis was a passionate fan of Syracuse University Athletics, a proud member of the Scotia-Glenville Choralaires, Mohawk Valley Chorus and marathon runner.

His wife and family would like to extend their thanks to Sandra Buhrmaster and William Kopp for their help during this difficult time.

Calling hours will be held on Thursday, January 11 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Bekkering-Ellis Funeral Home in Scotia, NY.

Followed by a private burial at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery on Friday, January 12.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Freedom Park Foundation, Kiosk Project, at PO Box 2040 Scotia, NY 12302.

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