Michael G. Madigan, CWO4, USA, RETIRED

Michael G. Madigan, CWO4, USA, Retired

Michael G. Madigan (Mike) died at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, Mississippi, on Veteran’s Day, 11 November 2025, at the age of 87.

Mike was born on 28 March 1938 in the city of Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan, to George and Verna (Bennett) Madigan. He attended Sault Ste. Marie High School, and was an outstanding pupil and enthusiastic school ice hockey player. After graduating high school in June 1956, Mike left home to work a season as a deckhand aboard the 767-foot iron ore carrier Philip R. Clarke.

Growing up in “The Soo,” Mike worked at his father George Madigan’s Standard Oil gas station and garage, situated downtown on the corner of Spruce and Ashmun Streets. George was well respected in the community and owned the gas station for about 38 years, beginning in 1936. Working at the gas station on weekends and after school was where Mike learned how to repair automobiles, important knowledge that he passed on to his children over the years.

While attending high school, Mike met the love of his life, the beautiful, smart, and elegant Joan Petrilli. Mike enjoyed 55 years of marriage to this beloved and wonderful lady, who sadly died on 12 November 2013 and is interred at the beautiful Biloxi National Cemetery, soon to be joined by Mike. When Mike met Joan, her father, Frank J. Petrilli (Colonel, USA, Retired), was the post commander of Camp Lucas, located in Sault Sainte Marie. Camp Lucas (1950 - 1962) was an anti-aircraft artillery site at the time, protecting the copper and iron ore carriers making their way through the Soo Locks.

Mike retired as a CWO4 chief warrant officer and served 25 years in the United States Army. He began his Army career as an enlisted engine repair technician while serving in Frankfurt, Germany, eventually earning promotion to sergeant first class. He then switched Army careers and became a helicopter pilot, just in time to serve two year-long tours in Vietnam.

Mike’s first tour in Vietnam (1966-7) was with the 502nd Aviation Battalion “Outlaws”, flying support UH-1 Iroquois helicopters (Hueys) out of Vinh Long. Mike’s second tour of Vietnam (1968-9) was with the 205th Aviation Company “Geronimos” out of Phu Loi. There he flew the big, dual-rotor CH-47 Chinook, a medium-lift assault support helicopter, hauling any and everything that its huge, noisy engines and transmissions could carry.

During his two tours of Vietnam, Mike was awarded the Air Medal for valor, with 31 subsequent awards. He also received the American Bronze Star as well as the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Bronze Star. In addition, he received many other significant awards for his flying skills, professionalism, and unwavering contributions to the war effort in Vietnam, and to the United States Army in his 25 years of military service.

Mike’s various military assignments over the years took him to Frankfurt, Germany; Vinh Long and Phu Loi, Vietnam; Ft Rucker, AL; Ft Belvoir, VA; Ft Carson, CO; Ft Wainwright, AK; Ft Wolters, TX; and Ft Sill, OK. When he retired from the Army he moved to Ocala, FL where he fished for bass and golfed a lot. He lived in Ocala until his last few years when he relocated to the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Gulfport, MS.

Mike loved spending time with his family and enjoyed taking them on camping and fishing trips all over the country and Canada. He had outstanding hand-to-eye coordination and regularly showed his kids who the boss was when it came to shooting firearms, playing billiards, throwing darts and shooting basketball.

Mike is preceded in death by his lovely wife of 55 years, Joan C. (Petrilli) Madigan, born in Boston, Mass. His mother and father, George Madigan and his wife Verna H. (Bennett) Madigan of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. His brother Kevin Madigan (CWO4, USCG, retired) of Perth, Ontario, Canada. His father-in-law, Frank J. Petrilli (Colonel, USA, retired) and his wife Stella J. Petrilli; and brother-in-law Frank J. Petrilli Jr (Colonel, USA, retired). Both Franks served in Vietnam at the same time.

Mike’s survivors include his 4 children, Robert Madigan (CMSgt, USAF, retired) and his wife Danielle (Getz) Madigan of Biloxi MS; Frank Madigan (SSgt, USAF, veteran) and his wife Lisa (Nix) Madigan of Ocala, FL; Deborah Madigan (AC2, USN, veteran) of Ocala, FL; and Richard Madigan (AEC, AW, USN, retired) of Oak Harbor, WA. His brother William F. Madigan (CWO4, USCG, retired) and his wife Joanne (Stoughton) Madigan of Anthem, AZ. His sister-in-law Stephanie (Petrilli) Williams and her husband Spencer Williams of Somerset, PA; and his other sister-in-law Vera (Misiano) Petrilli of Charles Town WV. Survivors also include 6 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and a few nieces and nephews.

There will be a short committal ceremony with military honors on Friday, 5 December 2025, at 1100 hours at the Biloxi National Cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the entire staff at the Armed Forces Retirement Home of Gulfport, MS. You made the last years of Mike’s life happy, productive, and comfortable. From the room custodians to the food service workers to the grounds and facility maintainers, they thank you. A big shout out goes to Nurse Ann and all of her caring caregivers up on Valor Hall. Mike was so loved and well cared for by everyone that worked at the Home. The family also wants to extend a huge thank you to Arden Hospice and Memorial Hospital in Gulfport.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Mike’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Mike’s body is entrusted to the compassionate team at Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Homes of Biloxi, Mississippi.