William Frances Madden, 79, a resident of Severna Park for more than 30 years, died of cancer Jan. 27 at North Arundel Hospital after a brief illness.

Mr. Madden was born Nov. 20, 1925, and reared in Philadelphia, Pa. He entered the Army in 1943, served during World War II in France and worked with demolition explosives. Following the military he graduated from La Salle College in Philadelphia.

In 1975 he married Carole Jansen and moved to Severna Park. He worked as a salesman in steel shelving and equipment for more than 40 years before retiring in 1987.

He was a member of American Legion Post 366 in Philadelphia, the Severna Park Donut Shack Coffee Club and the Anne Arundel Senior Exercise Program at Anne Arundel Community College.

He enjoyed caring for his yard, decorating for Christmas, tinkering in the garage and flea markets. He especially liked beach coming for shark teeth and shells while spending time at the family's Venice, Fla., home.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by three daughters, Margie McFadden of Bridgewater, N.J., Betsy Jansen of Severna Park and Carol Ross of Millersville; four sons, David Madden of Lansdale, Pa., Kevin Madden of Naperville, Ill., Navy Cmdr. Herb Jansen of Virginia Beach, Va., and Larry Jansen of Glen Burnie; one brother, Francis Madden of Fox Chase, Pa.; two sisters, Joan Weissman of Lindenwold, N.J., and Marie Martini of Venice; and 15 grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Barranco and Sons Severna Park Funeral Home, 495 Ritchie Highway, with a service at 3 p.m. Visitation also will be from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Givnish Funeral Home, 10975 Academy Road, Philadelphia, where services will be at 3 p.m. Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to U.S.O. Headquarters, Department WS, P.O. Box 96860, Washington, DC 20090-6860. Online condolences may be made at www.barrancofuneralhome.com

As published in the Capital newspaper Annapolis Maryland on 1/28/2005