LifeQs

Richard James Madden

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Did Richard have a favorite phrase or common mannerism?

Andrea Giambrone
Richard had a favorite word. "Superb." It is appropriate that it is the word I most associate with him. He was, after all, a superb individual.

He was a man of noteworthy accomplishments: US Naval Academy to Marine hero to a Harvard MBA. He headed companies, was a civic leader, garnered praise and admiration from his colleagues and city council members.

What could not be known, except by those of us fortunate enough to consider him family, is how fun he was; how loving he was; how devoted he was to his beautiful wife, Paula, and to those places they loved most in the world.

We traveled to San Francisco and Napa with Paula and Richard; to Carmel, a place that held special magic for them. We toasted each other’s special occasions and, as recently as this past September, gathered for my own significant Birthday.

Richard was a singular presence in my life. He was always where he needed to be, ready to help, advise, join in and add his particular brand of wit and wisdom.

I will try my mightiest to adhere to the wisdom of a Hebrew proverb: “Say not in sorrow that he is no longer here, but say in gratitude that he was.”

With all the love I have in my heart, I wish you a beautiful journey to the stars, Richard. May everything about it prove superb.

Your cousin-in-law and devoted fan,
Andrea
Andrea Giambrone
Richard had a favorite word. "Superb." It is appropriate that it is the word I most associate with him. He was, after all, a superb individual.

He was a man of noteworthy accomplishments: US Naval Academy to Marine hero to a Harvard MBA. He headed companies, was a civic leader, garnered praise and admiration from his colleagues and city council members.

What could not be known, except by those of us fortunate enough to consider him family, is how fun he was; how loving he was; how devoted he was to his beautiful wife, Paula, and to those places they loved most in the world.

We traveled to San Francisco and Napa with Paula and Richard; to Carmel, a place that held special magic for them. We toasted each other’s special occasions and, as recently as this past September, gathered for my own significant Birthday.

Richard was a singular presence in my life. He was always where he needed to be, ready to help, advise, join in and add his particular brand of wit and wisdom.

I will try my mightiest to adhere to the wisdom of a Hebrew proverb: “Say not in sorrow that he is no longer here, but say in gratitude that he was.”

With all the love I have in my heart, I wish you a beautiful journey to the stars, Richard. May everything about it prove superb.

Your cousin-in-law and devoted fan,
Andrea