Edward Thomas Madsen

Edward Thomas Madsen was born on June 26th in 1935 in Hoboken, New Jersey to Einar “Edward” Madsen and Katherine Madsen (nee Carrig) he was the second child joining his brother John. The family moved to North Bergen in the 40’s and then to Union City in the 50’s where he attended Emerson HS. While in high school, Eddie was a standout on the basketball court and was awarded a scholarship to St. Bonaventure University and later played for the Washington Generals, the Semi pro team that would travel with the Harlem Globetrotters. Later in life he was inducted into the Emerson Highschool Hall of Fame.

At the tender age of 14 his parents let him work on the boardwalk in Seaside Heights being watched by his older brother Johnny, who was a mere 16-year-old. The two brothers met a slightly older boy that worked on the Pier, and they became lifelong friends, that boy was Bobby Bennett who went on to own Casino Pier and many other Seaside Heights establishments. The brothers lived with the Lacicero family, and Eddie worked for the Carrozza family at Lucky’s Pokerino, while Johnny was a Lifeguard. The two brothers forged lifelong friendships in Seaside Heights.

After College, Eddie did a 2-year stint in the Army and came home to marry his HS sweetheart Julia Corsi in 1959. Our father’s best friend was also his Best Man at his wedding, Perry Troisi aka Ragsy, who became family when he married his wife Julie’s first cousin Barbara. Barbara remains our family’s closest connection with our mom.

Shortly after the couple was blessed with two children, Guy and 16 months later Eileen. It was during this time, that Eddie started his career in New York City as a model and actor. He appeared in numerous commercials and print ads, and has 5 movies to his credit, he co-starred with Robert DeNiro, George Segal, Elizabeth Taylor, Carroll O’Connor, Ernest Borgnine, Charles Bronson and Eli Wallach. In parallel to his acting career, he started working in, and running some of New York City’s most popular restaurants and nightclubs, including “The Suite” which rose to fame in the movie Goodfellas. After a few years he managed to save some money and buy his first restaurant in Bergenfield, New Jersey called the Town Hall Inn. Eddie and Julie moved from North Bergen out to Rutherford in 1968 and raised their children in the suburbs where they formed tight bonds and lasting memories.

Eddie subsequently went on to own and operate over 18 restaurants in North Jersey and the Jersey Shore. In 1979 he was asked to open and operate Pegasus, a 1400 seat fine dining restaurant atop the newly built Meadowlands Racetrack. At Pegasus he formed relationships that became family. Jimmy Aliano, Mark Sternshuss, Janice Andre, Peter Diani, Frankie Barber and many others that remained very close to the very end.

A few years later he had the opportunity to open and operate yet another new facility in Kings Court, a restaurant called the European Market, and a wedding/ banquet facility called The Skylight Ballroom. In the mid 80’s Eddie was the operating partner @ Crowsnest in Hackensack, where he became very close with NYG’s Sean Landeta and George Martin to this day they remained dear friends.

Later in life, Eddie enjoyed spending time with his growing family, especially his 3 Grandsons. He looked forward to taking them to lunch and a movie, taking them to the boardwalk, and waterpark. When they were older it was Atlantic City where they enjoyed his high roller status. Eddie enjoyed playing Blackjack and Craps, meeting up with his friends Mike Tenuto, Tom Delle Donne, Jim Bishop, the foursome could be found at the gaming tables and enjoying numerous fine dining restaurants that Atlantic City has to offer.

Sadly, after 50 years of marriage, while vacationing at the Jersey shore his beloved wife Julie, went out for a walk one evening, and was never found.

Eddie was pre-deceased by his wife Julie, his brother John Madsen and wife Bernice of Belford, New Jersey. He is survived by his son Guy Madsen, and wife Dr. Rita Madsen of Clifton. His daughter Eileen and her husband Andrew Tummino of River Edge. And the light of his life, his three Grandsons, John Tummino, Drew Tummino and his longtime girlfriend Brianna Gangemi, Guy Madsen and fiancé Kaitlin Renshaw, just two weeks shy of their wedding. Along with many cousins, nieces and nephews & friends.

Edward passed away peacefully at Care One at Wellington in Hackensack, surrounded by his family.

Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, March 7th, 2024 at 10:00am in St. Clare's Church, 69 Allwood Road, Clifton NJ. Inurnment, to follow, at 11:00am in Holy Cross Cemetery, 340 Ridge Road, North Arlington NJ.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to through GoFundme for Texas EquuSearch who searched for our Missing Mom in 2009.

https://gofund.me/863283ec