Robert Louis Madison

Robert Louis Madison, born on April 26, 1940, in Dowagiac, Michigan, to Charles and Margaret Madison, passed away on March 12, 2026, at the age of 85. He grew up in Holland, Michigan, and went on to earn a BA from the University of Michigan, an MPA from Roosevelt University, and an MSA from George Washington University.

A dedicated public servant, he served ten years on active duty as a Navy Supply Corps Officer, with assignments aboard ships in the Pacific and Atlantic and two tours in Vietnam. He continued his career as a civilian at the Navy Accounting and Finance Center, where he led Navy military pay systems for over a decade and received the Department of the Navy Superior Civilian Service Medal. It was there that he met his wife, Joanne Dula, whom he married on November 24, 1984. He later played a key role in establishing the Defense Finance and Accounting Service and retired with the DFAS Meritorious Civilian Service Medal. He also retired from the Naval Reserve as a Captain.

In retirement, Robert devoted himself to his community in Alexandria, Virginia. He served as a docent at Carlyle House for 14 years, held leadership positions with the Alexandria Historical Society, led walking tours of the city, and authored the book Walking with Washington. In recognition of his contributions, he received the Alexandria History Award in 2012. After moving with Joanne to Greenspring retirement community in Springfield in 2011, he remained active, serving on the Resident Council, as Chair of the Catholic Council, and as Co-Chair of the Players.

He is survived by his loving wife, Joanne Dula Madison of Springfield, Virginia; his sister, Mary White of Port Orange, Florida; his brother, C. John Madison of Holland, Michigan; 17 nieces and nephews; and many grandnieces, grandnephews, and great-grandnieces and nephews.