HEATHSVILLE—Joseph John Madej, 83, of Wicomico Church died on November 29, 2022.
Joe received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Maryland in 1962 and immediately joined the Bethlehem Steel Corporation. In 1973, he earned his Master of Administrative Science from George Washington University and became a Professional Engineer with the State of Maryland.
Advancing as an engineer, he relocated to Bethlehem Steel Corp’s home office in Bethlehem, Pa., where he also served as auditor for Northampton County for six years. He was instrumental in the Galvalume project by designing the mechanical system for production; however, his most significant contributions were in addressing noise pollution, the energy crisis, and the design and implementation of pollution control systems for steel plants. Notably, he took foreign assignment in 1985-86 to supervise the installation of those same Pollution Control Systems for mills in Yugoslavia. He retired as chief engineer of Bethlehem Steel Corporation Engineering Department after 32 years.
Upon retirement, he was fully able to immerse himself in the Northumberland County community. He became certified in financial planning and served as the executive director of the Economic Development Commission of the Northumberland County Planning Commission from 2001 to 2009, and as chairman of the Northern Neck-Chesapeake Bay Regional Partnership. He was untiring in his efforts to promote business development in this area, which he believed was the key to preserving its pristine beauty and the small-town charm he so cherished.
Joe’s passion in life was found as a blue water mariner, with his personal highlights being his numerous grand sailing adventures predominantly in the Caribbean. He could, and did navigate by the stars, believing in the minimalist and survivalist approach to his extended forays from little known islands to major open water excursions. Surviving a brain aneurysm in 2009, he became the model of both determination and strength of character in the face of adversity for all who knew him.
Family was extremely important to Joe. He is survived by his sisters, Patricia Madej Korosi, Sylvia Madej Grabus and Janet Antoinette Madej; his three daughters and their spouses, Deborah and Stephen Scripture, Deirdre and Jim Schuetz and Jeanne Madej and James Pratt. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jared and Kelly Scripture, Joseph and James Scripture; Shealyn, Teressa, Justin and Michael Schuetz; and Harrison and Charleigh Pratt; and great-grandchildren, Noah, June and Emma Scripture.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years, Ilva Sue Battaglia Madej; his parents, Joseph Andrew Madej and Helen Sophie Sierputowska Madej Smith of Baltimore, Md.; and his siblings, Christopher Madej and Maryann Madej.
A memorial Mass will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic Church in Kilmarnock, with visitation afterward. Contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society or charity of choice.
