Carl T. Maddalena, 80, of Eatontown, passed away April 11, 2025.
Also known as “Poppy” and “Mr. Madd,” Carl was a loving husband, father, grandfather, teacher and friend to many. He is survived by his sons, Christopher Carl Sr., Damien Paul and Christopher Carl Jr. all of Eatontown; his daughters, Jennifer Susan Maddalena of Middletown and Sarah Elizabeth Jones and her husband Brian of Oceanport; and his grandchildren, Shawna Romeo-Maddalena, Alic Maddalena, Delaney Marie Patrick, Madison Sarah Jones and Ella Susan Jones.
He is also survived by his sister Rosalie DeMarco and her husband Paul DeMarco of Bethel, Connecticut. He left behind two cats, Priscilla and Pumpkin, whom he adored and who followed him around the house. Carl’s biggest loves in his life were his wife, children and grandchildren. Family meant everything to him. He also loved his students dearly, treated everyone with tremendous kindness and respect and, in turn, became a cherished mentor and friend to all whose lives he touched.
Carl was born in New York City to Carlo and Concetta Maddalena. He grew up in Harlem and graduated from Cardinal Hayes High School. Carl was a lifelong devout Catholic and served as an altar boy throughout his childhood. At the young age of 16, he met Susan, the love of his life, at a combined school dance for the all-boys and all-girls schools (she went to St. Patrick’s Cathedral High) where he played the bass in the band. They danced together for the next 53 years. Theirs was an old-fashioned New York City love story.
After graduating from St. John’s University, Carl started the first five years of his teaching career in Harlem during the Vietnam War. He was not drafted as they needed teachers more than soldiers at that time. Soon after the birth of their first son in 1970, Carl and Susan moved to New Jersey and Carl began his 32-year career as an English teacher at Henry Hudson Regional School in Highlands. He eventually earned a Master’s Degree in English from Kean University and became an adjunct professor of writing at Brookdale Community College. “Mr. Madd” was a beloved teacher.
Besides teaching, he also advised the student council, ran the school newspaper and literary magazine, directed the adult education program, and even taught driver’s ed. In his 25th year at Henry Hudson, Carl received the governor’s prestigious Teacher of the Year award and used his grant to start a “Learning Through Writing” program. His students always spoke about the impact he made on their lives and how he fostered their love of writing and literature.
Carl was an avid reader of literature and a talented poet. His favorite character was Snoopy and his home was filled with Peanuts memorabilia. Growing up in New York City, he was a big fan of the theater, musicals and Broadway. He loved music, especially Andrea Bocelli, and enjoyed playing his favorite classical songs on his baby grand piano.
With family roots in the Bronx, he was a big Yankee fan, just like his father and his siblings.
Carl was very fond of St. Anthony. He wore a medal and prayed to him daily, along with the rosary. He inspired his family by sharing and passing on his Roman Catholic beliefs and spirituality, which were a big part of his life.
Carl was the most loving, sweet and generous father and grandfather. He was always ready to help his family in any way he could. He looked after the children all the time and got everyone together for Sunday breakfast for years. He was always worried about everybody eating enough, which must have stemmed from his Italian roots. Carl’s kind nature was reflected through every word he spoke and every memory he created. He will be remembered for the kindness and wisdom he bestowed on everyone who crossed his path in life.
Carl was predeceased by his cherished wife, Susan Ellen Maddalena; his parents, Carlo and Concetta Maddalena; his brother Leopold Maddalena; and his sister-in-law, Estela Maddalena.
A Memorial Gathering will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, April 25 at the John E. Day Funeral Home, 85 Riverside Ave., Red Bank. A Memorial Mass will be offered at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 26, at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank.
Please visit Carl’s Memorial website at johnedayfuneralhome.com.
The article originally appeared in the April 24 – 30, 2025 print edition of The Two River Times.
