Word reached the Chancellor’s Office of the passing of Br. Michael Madden, OFM, 91, on August 4, 2025 in St. Petersburg, Florida. For 62 years as a Franciscan friar, he worked as a cook, maintained facilities and cared for sick and elderly friars along the East Coast.

Br. Michael was born on Dec. 13, 1933, in Baltimore to William and Grace Mary (née Manning) Madden, one of 11 children. His brother. Br. Charles Ramond Madden, OFM Conv., passed away in 2023. Br. Michael attended St. Dominic grammar school and Gompers Vocations High School, both in Baltimore. He professed simple vows on July 15, 1963, in Lafayette, New Jersey, and solemn vows on Aug. 22, 1966, at Christ the King Seminary in Allegany, New York.

Br. Michael began his ministry as a cook and as a member of the maintenance team during his formation from 1963 to 1966 at St. Francis Retreat Center in Rye Beach, New Hampshire.  He moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 1986 to work in maintenance and continued that job after his retirement in 2012.

His ministry was always nurturing the life of the fraternity. Br. Michael enjoyed caring for the brothers and lived and worked in houses of formation for many years. Although he was not formally part of formation teams, he guided and encouraged many men seeking Franciscan life. His wit and insight were a gift.

He is survived by a sister, Catherine Plantholt, nieces and nephews, and his brother friars of the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

Funeral services took place August 11, 2025 at St. Mary, Our Lady of Grace Church, St. Petersburg, followed burial at Calvary Catholic Cemetery.

Complete obituary at this link.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to Mrs. Catherine Plantholt c/o St. Anthony Friary, 357 Second St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33701.

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May his soul and the souls of all the faithful
departed, by the mercy of God, rest in peace!