David Madden Obituary

David Martin Buddha Madden

Dave Madden, known as Buddha to many, Madman to some, and David to his mom, offered his final aloha Father's Day, 2025. He was 67 years old.

Dave was born July 17, 1957, in Wayne, Pennsylvania, to Julia Mason Madden and Mark Henry Madden. The family moved to Tiffin, Ohio, where Dave attended St. Mary's Elementary School, West Junior High, and Columbian High School, graduating in 1975. In 1978, Dave joined the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii as a Medical Corpsman.

Dave spent his happiest years on the Island of Hawai'i, raising two children, his son, Jonathan, and daughter, Julia, along with a mutt named Rascal and Soldier, the cockatoo. There, he spent 20 years with the Army Reserve and worked as an EMT and physical therapy assistant. He also owned a tropical fish wholesale business and spent as much time as possible with his children fishing and camping on the beach, hobbies that traveled with him when his family relocated to North Carolina in 1997.

He worked for International Paper in North Carolina for 15 years, including time as a paramedic and firefighter for the company. He was also a volunteer firefighter in Ivanhoe, North Carolina.

Dave is survived by his son, Jonathan Madden of Charleston, South Carolina; daughter, Julia (Jordan); and grandson, Sebastian Sears of Greenville, South Carolina. He's also survived by his brother, Mick (Lori Jones) Madden of Tualatin, Oregon; and sisters, Julia Madden (Brett) Bozarth of Normal, Illinois, Ellen (Mark) Edeburn of Burton, Ohio, Joy (Jeff Volzer) Madden of Hinesburg, Vermont, and Hope (George Wolfington) Madden of Columbus, Ohio; and their children.

Dave is predeceased by his mother and father. He died peacefully in his home after a lengthy illness, his beloved cousin, Diane McKelvey, holding his hand and singing The Beatles' "I Want to Hold Your Hand."

Dave, the communication hub of the Madden family, had a mischievous grin and infectious laugh. He is dearly missed.