Our family and community lost a pillar when William “Willie” James Madden Jr. passed from this earth of natural causes suddenly on January 16, 2021. Willie was born August 12, 1964. He was a loving Father and an active member of many organizations, donating his time, talent, and treasures, to his Alma Mater, St. Thomas High School, his fraternity; Kappa Sigma, the Catholic Church, and a host of friends and family in the Houston area. He was the proprietor of Pizzitola’s BBQ, and previously Texadelphia. Willie was a caring leader and took an active interest in most everyone he met. He knew how to make deep and lasting lifetime friendships, from St. Thomas High School to the University of Texas, to his various business ventures. He was an example and mentor to many; a shoulder to lean on and always made time for those in need. Willie approached life with a strong touch of humor. His laugh was contagious and he knew how to make people feel special. Those who met Willie never forgot him. He was kind, honorable and devoted to his Catholic faith, Marshall and Josh and his family. He will be missed by many and his legacy will live on for generations. He was preceded in death by his father, William J. Madden Sr. He will continue to live on through his two sons, Marshall and Josh, Mother and Stepfather, Tricia & Angelo, his Sister, Coleen (Anthony), Brothers Shawn & Pat (Laura), and many nieces, nephews, very special cousins, and friends.

Arrangements:

Wed – 1/20/21
St. Michael Catholic Church
1801 Sage Road
Houston, TX 77056

5:30pm Viewing
6:00pm Rosary

Immediately following: sharing of your favorite Willie memories. 

_____________________________________________________________________________

Thurs – 1/21/21

Funeral:
St. Michael Catholic Church
1801 Sage Road
Houston, TX 77056
10:00am Mass

Reception immediately following:
Pizzitola’s BBQ
1703 Shepherd Dr
Houston, TX  77007

There will be overflow seating and both the services will be live streamed. 

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to support Willie’s boys, Josh and Marshall. 

gf.me/u/zgnkvi

Links

The following are the links to the Viewing, Rosary and Eulogy and the Mass:

Vigil

Mass

24 Comments

  1. Donniece Tollett on January 19, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    This is such a beautiful testimony to a great man! Willie was everything described here to us!!! He was a wonderful friend and we will forever remember him and be thankful to have had him in our lives. Please know that we’re praying for his family and friends to find peace.
    Love, Ken, Donniece, Wesley and Walker Tollett



    • Charles Tormo on January 19, 2021 at 10:16 pm

      Willie was a great fella. Got to know him even better after high school as a business man. Fine human being. Could have been a priest. Should have….all you class of 82 should reflect.



  2. Jeff McCurry on January 19, 2021 at 2:51 pm

    Willie was everything described above and more. Houston was a better city with Willie in it! He is much loved and will
    be missed! We and St Thomas Community were blessed to have Willie in it. Rest In Peace our friend!!
    Jeff & Renee McCurry



  3. Linda Knebel on January 19, 2021 at 3:44 pm

    I love you cuz! Rest In Peace Willie. You will truly be missed by so many!



  4. Gee Kane on January 19, 2021 at 4:45 pm

    Willie was a wonderful man indeed! I knew him mostly from little league where his reputation was impeccable. A breath of fresh air for sure. He was always in it for the boys. His huge heart was always evident. I was inspired by his devotion and loyalty to the communities he was a part of. Saddened by the loss but joyful at his joy of meeting his savior face to face. Prayers for all the Madden clan.



  5. Tyler W Hartson on January 19, 2021 at 4:49 pm

    Thank you for your unwavering service to others. An asset to the community. I am better for having met you. Blessings friend. Prayers.



  6. Leigh Gose on January 19, 2021 at 4:51 pm

    Tricia, Angelo, Shawn, Pat, Laura, Colleen, Anthony, Josh and Marshall – we are devastated with you in the loss of Willie so young and so suddenly. We send hugs, love and prayers for your hearts as you grieve his loss. He was so special to us and we will never forget our Montana summers together. So much fun, adventure, great food and wine, and camaraderie shared over so many years together. May the Lord bring you the peace that surpasses all understanding. Much love, Matt and Leigh



  7. Jerry Koch on January 19, 2021 at 4:52 pm

    Willie was a man that brought joy to anyone that he visited. He made them feel that not only were they the absolute center of his mindfulness at the time, he also ramped up a fever of energy, joy, and enthusiasm for whatever was at hand. For me, that was a shared love of St. Thomas High School and Pizzatola Barbecue. He will be greatly missed, but his influence will continue to roll in all who new him. I was proud to have counted him as a friend. Just thinking about his smile puts a smile on my mug.



  8. John Sangree on January 19, 2021 at 7:25 pm

    Willie always had enthusiastic smile and warmth toward others him every time I met him. He made everyone feel like a close friend, and I think he meant every ounce of it.

    You will be missed, Willie.

    Johnny Sangree
    STH ’04



  9. Sara on January 19, 2021 at 7:43 pm

    Yes. I agree about the perfectly stated testimony. Willie was Willie, and he never judged anyone at any point in their lives, no matter how long you were blessed to be a part of his life. We all have faults, trials, and tribulations, but he would listen …whether asked to or not, and respond humbly with advice. Plain simple advice… that we all need to be reminded of. Thank you Willie! Thank you for being you!
    Sara



  10. Keith Knox on January 19, 2021 at 8:09 pm

    He will be missed. Love and prayers to his family. May we all find peace.
    Love, Keith Knox



  11. Brad Wells on January 19, 2021 at 9:26 pm

    I had been visiting him frequently at his bar-b-que place, Pizzitola’s and enjoyed catching up on life, his boys and business. Willie was always gracious, positive and caring. He was a good friend in college and picking up where we left off 15+ years later was like only a day had gone by. That’s Willie…makes you appreciate the moment and time you have. You’ve gone to soon…”Compadre, adios! I just wish ‘we’ had time for one more bowl of chili!”



  12. Kim on January 19, 2021 at 11:10 pm

    With love and deep sorrow. I am So blessed to call you family. I will pay it forward as did you to do many cuz! I will Miss your laugh and smile, until we meet again



  13. Cindy Reichek on January 19, 2021 at 11:43 pm

    I met Willie as he sat in a hospital ICU waiting room every day in order to support the family (whom he did not know) and fraternity brothers of a young man who lost his life too soon. This selfless act spoke volumes of the man that he was. This meant so much to this grieving family. I’m so sorry to hear of Willie’s passing and want his son’s to know how incredible this gesture was (but I’m sure they’ve heard many of these same stories). Rest in heaven Willie Madden…you definitely earned your wings here on earth.



    • Brett Donohue on January 20, 2021 at 3:26 pm

      To the entire Madden Family,
      THANK YOU for sharing Willie with the Donohue Family. He touched our lives in such a positive, loving way. He could light up a room and you couldn’t help but feel happy if Willie was anywhere around.
      We are truly blessed to have shared so many memories with Willie and Pat.
      Brett Donohue
      St. Thomas ‘88



  14. The Lyons Family on January 20, 2021 at 6:09 am

    Our sincerest condolences to the Madden Family. To Marshall and Josh–may you have peace in knowing he was and will always be your biggest fan. May God continue to comfort and bless you all during this time.



  15. Vidal Brewer Knight on January 20, 2021 at 8:31 am

    My heart breaks for this family especially Trisha. My memories of our families when we were young
    and enjoying our children and each other will always be a huge part of my life. I will remember all of you in my prayers. I know that the loss of a child alters our lives forever but we then go in a different direction.



  16. Howard House on January 20, 2021 at 8:48 am

    Willie was one of the finest and most upstanding men I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. We met while coaching Pee Wee Little League and remained friends ever since. It was a privilege to have known him. He will be greatly missed by the Houston community. My prayers go out to Marshall, Josh, the Madden Family and his Pizzitola’s Family.



  17. Kevin Caspersen on January 20, 2021 at 1:18 pm

    I first met Willie serving with him in the advancement office at our beloved St. Thomas H.S. I came to learn how Willie embodied hospitality. More than just serving good food, however, Willie lived the biblical virtue of hospitality, by reaching out, befriending others and drawing them into community. He had a wonderful way of making people feel that they belonged, that they mattered. May we follow his example for the good of our families, our communities and our nation. Enjoy the fullness of life, Willie, that we all await in joyful hope.



  18. Cliff on January 20, 2021 at 1:49 pm

    Willie was an amazing person, and great friend. He always had enough time to make sure everyone was taken care of. A true brother of everyone –



  19. Joe Caram on January 20, 2021 at 4:50 pm

    Willie is a part of treasured memories of times gone by. His giving of his time and talent to the St. Thomas family was a blessing and inspiration. He represented the best of us and will be missed. My prayers to the family.



  20. Greg Cochran on January 20, 2021 at 6:53 pm

    I have known Willie for many years. He was the best friend anyone could ask for.
    Pizzatolas was always a great BBQ joint,however, it was even better after Willie took over. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I will miss you “Boomer”



  21. Patrick Roten on January 21, 2021 at 11:28 am

    Willie was my brother-in-law. I’ll always remember his smile and great sense of humor. He was an intelligent and spirited sports fan; he and I enjoyed and suffered through the highs and lows of Texas football together. His love for his two boys was unwavering and that’s the saddest thing about this: he won’t be able to see his sons become the good man that he was. RIP, my friend.



  22. Melinda Prewett on January 27, 2021 at 12:06 pm

    Sending our sincerest condolences to the Madden family as you remember Willie. We are heartsick and deeply saddened to hear about his passing. He was a great man and was so proud of Marshall and Josh. We will always treasure our time on Willers Way living across the street and all the block parties for which Willie would always supply the amazing Texadelphia queso. We are blessed to have those special memories. He will be missed. Sending love and big hugs from the entire Prewett family.
    -Matthew, Melinda, Berkeley, Caroline and Katherine