Joseph F. McFadden

McFADDEN, JOSEPH F., 88, of Roxborough, passed away peacefully after a short illness at his home on October 31, 2018. Beloved husband of the late Celestine E. McFadden.  He is survived by his loving children, Celestine (Bob) Sciblo, Marianne (Dan) Loftus and Joseph (Leigh) and fiancée Barbara Markley.  Proud grandfather of Michael Sciblo (Kelly), Daniel Loftus (Maria), Carolyn Sciblo (Patrick Fink), James, Alyssa, Evan and Owen and great-grandfather to Delia and Thomas Sciblo. 

Joe was born in the East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia, the youngest son of John and Genevieve McFadden.  Joe shared many memories with his siblings Jack, Peggy and Marie both in East Falls and with each other as their families grew.  He was loved and respected by his extended family who spent time with him on holidays and special occasions.  Joe enjoyed spending time with family and friends on the golf course and did not miss an opportunity to play.  He was lucky enough to have two holes in one during his golf career.

Joe will also be greatly missed by fiancée Barbara Markley.  Together, they loved to travel to the Jersey shore and Florida as well as Massachusetts, the Grand Canyon and Gettysburg to name a few.  They liked to spend extended time as snowbirds in Florida (Long Boat Key and Stuart) where they quickly made friends with other snowbirds who will also miss his friendship.  They enjoyed many parties with their respective families and were a competitive team during family games.    

Joe was a graduate of Roman Catholic High School, class of 1948.  He continued to be a supporter of the school he loved.  He enlisted and served his county in the US Navy from 1951 to 1955 abroad the USS Macon.  In 1952 Joe was one of the first military personnel allowed to take leave to train for the Olympic trials in rowing.  Upon return home, Joe worked in the electronics division of Philco Ford, which later became the Ford Motor Company.  He was proud to have worked on the sidewinder missile when assigned to work overseas in the 70’s.  He retired from the Ford Motor Company in 1989.

A life-long member of Undine Barge Club, Joe served as log keeper and Mr. Fixit.  He could often be found at the river on race days troubleshooting the electrical system used to start races and announce the teams and the winners.  He did electrical repairs, plumbing, painting and anything that needed to be done.  He became known as Megaphone Man as he used his repair skills to repair many a broken megaphone for all of the various crew teams.  He shared his advice and love of rowing with countless high school and collegiate rowers in Philadelphia who also called the river “home” – including his son, Joe, and grandsons Michael and Daniel.  He was the long time starter of the Turkey Trot Thanksgiving Day Cross Country Race at boathouse row.   

Depending on whom you asked Joe was known as Pop, Big-Pop or even ping-pong Pop to his seven grandchildren (he had an awesome backhand!)  Pop enjoyed seeing them excel in school and in life.  He proudly attended major celebrations like graduations and weddings - as well as little league games, recitals and grandparents’ day at school.  Pop was proud of all of them and was blessed to be able to spend time with them and watch them grow. 

Family and friends are invited to his viewing on Monday at 9AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Philadelphia, PA 19128.  Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11AM.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s name to Undine Barge Club (PO Box 906, Conshohocken, PA 19428) or a charity of your choice.    

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