Richard J Madigan

Richard J. Madigan, 96, of Milton, fondly known as “Dede,” died at home on January 18th holding hands with his wife. He was born on July 14, 1929, to Anna (McCarthy) Madigan and Patrick J. Madigan of West Roxbury. Richard was the youngest of five children who learned resilience early after his father’s sudden death and his mother going to work as a teacher in the Boston Public Schools when he was only six. Further shaped by additional family challenges, Richard’s resilience became a defining part of who he was and how he showed up for others. His children, friends and employees alike knew that they could always turn to him for strength, guidance, and steady support.

Richard graduated from BC High School in 1948 and four years later was a member of the first graduating class of Stonehill College. In 1953, he married his childhood sweetheart, Ann Katherine Murray, who survives him after 72 years of marriage. He built a successful career in the paper and packaging industry, beginning at The Dowd Company in Cambridge. In 1976, he founded Set Point Paper Company, which later became part of a family business that grew into what is now Accutech Packaging in Foxboro. Real estate was a lifelong interest, and in 1974 he built Tennis 95, a ten-court facility in Mansfield that he owned for 25 years.

Richard and Ann raised their family of five in Cohasset, a town that gave their children a lasting appreciation for the ocean. He introduced his family to both sailing and skiing and learned to do both alongside his kids. This began a cherished tradition of him teaching all 11 of his grandchildren to ski, who are now teaching his 6 great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife Ann, he is survived by his children Sheila Keneally (Mike) and Richard Madigan Jr. (Judy Applebaum) of Hingham, Patrick L. Madigan (Cathy), Dennis Madigan, and son-in-law, Allen Waltman MD, of Milton. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Glen Harnish, Curtis Waltman, Elizabeth Marinelli MD (Nick), Patrick Keneally (Pam), Emily Keneally Cotter (Chris), Corinne Munchbach (Andrew), Connor Madigan, Audrey Hall (Brendan), and Patrick, Cooper and Cecile Madigan, and by his great-grandchildren Myles, James, Quinn, Madigan, Camille, and Elliotte. He was predeceased by his beloved daughter, Ann Marie Madigan MD.

Richard was known for his generosity, integrity, and optimism, both at work and at home. His employees loved and respected him, many working with him for decades. He never missed an opportunity to show how much he valued everyone on his team and continued going into the office well into his 90s. Parkinson’s disease eventually made that impossible. On January 3rd he attended his granddaughter Elizabeth’s wedding, enjoying the party surrounded by the people he loved most.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Nora, Julie, Veronica, and Claire, who compassionately cared and supported him over the past few years. Richard donated his body to Harvard Medical School, to honor both his mother Anna, and his daughter Ann Marie, who were graduates of Harvard College.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization Richard supported over many years:

The Restoration Project, Inc.

334 Pleasant Street Belmont, MA 02478

www.restorationproject.org

A Celebration of Life will be held in loving memory of Richard J Madigan on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 11:00 AM, at First Parish Milton Unitarian Universalist, located at 535 Canton Avenue, Milton, MA 02186