Andrew Madalone

The gates of Heaven were opened with gladness and rejoicing as Andrew "Andy" Madalone entered into his eternal home with his lord and savior, Jesus Christ on March 20, 2013. Andrew Madalone was born May 29, 1934 in Staten Island, NY, to Anthony and Anna (Marotte) Madalone; he was the youngest of seven children. Andy was a member of Beverly Hills Baptist Church. Andy was a devoted loving husband to his wife, Shirley Littrell Madalone of 52 years; dedicated, loving father to his four children: Shelley, Andy and Toni Madalone of Asheville, and Donna Madalone Tiller, (John) of Hopewell, Va,; and loving "Papa" to his five precious grandchildren: Brenna and Olivia Madalone, Andrew "Drew" Tiller, Marina and Anna Maria Satchell. He was a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews. After serving in the US Army, Andy played Professional Baseball for 7 years. As a former second baseman for the Asheville Tourists in 1960, he met the love his life, Shirley. In 1961, he played second base for the Chattanooga Lookouts, AA Champions. Until his retirement, he served in radio advertising and the soft drink industry in Sales Management. Andy's life passions was his FAMILY and sports, especially baseball and golf. He enjoyed coaching Little League, Senior BabeRuth Baseball, and Girls Softball and Basketball, in East Asheville, in the Haw Creek Community. In his senior years he umpired with his son, known as the "A" Team in the East Asheville and South Asheville Baseball Summer/Fall Leagues. He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Charles, Salvatore, James and sister Marie Thoren. Surviving are brother Anthony Madalone, Jr. (Margaret), Staten Island, NY and sister, Josephine Madalone Kohnert, Margate, FL. Andy was loved by many and missed by all. Groce Funeral Home on Tunnel Road is assisting the Madalone family.