Peter John Madden

Peter John Madden, 66, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2025, at his home in Fairhope, Ala. Born and raised in Minneapolis, Minn., the fifth of six children, Peter was a graduate of the University of Minnesota, where he earned two degrees, first in architecture and later in law.

Peter was a well-respected Mobile criminal defense attorney. He began his legal career at Madden & Soto and went on to join the Federal Defender’s Office in Mobile, where he worked tirelessly for justice from 2006 until his retirement in December 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of ethical, compassionate legal service for his clients and their families.

Peter spent his life making the world a better place through his countless skills and talents. Architecture was an early love of his, and he continued to design and appreciate the built world throughout his life. He especially enjoyed renovating historic buildings, including his Mobile law office at 465 Dauphin Street and his longtime home at 306 Chatham Street. Peter loved to fish and spent countless hours throwing a cast net into Mobile Bay on the hunt for mullet. He was one of the infamous Brown Water Boys, a group of fish-obsessed gentlemen who gathered regularly to act like they were fishing while they swapped stories. Peter was an accomplished bassist and a founding member of the Mullet Men, a local band that played at such storied haunts as the Joe Cain House and the Florabama.

He was a loyal husband to his wife of 35 years, Mary Alice Marston, and rarely have two people been more compatible in their shared love of art, music, and not ever arguing. Peter inherited a stepdaughter in that deal and approached his role as stepfather with his signature low-key dedication and good humor. He was an especially wonderful grandfather to his two grandsons and was the cool uncle to his many nieces and nephews, leaving memories of laughter and playfulness that will forever bring smiles.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Marston of Fairhope; one daughter, Sarah (Jeff) Bogdanovich of Fairhope; one brother, Arthur Madden (Wanda Cochran) of Mobile; three sisters, Joan Madden and Julie Madden, both of Minneapolis, and Jacq Madden (Lisa Calvelli) of Berkley, Calif.; one sister-in-law, Linda Madden of Minneapolis; two grandsons, Matthew Bogdanovich and William Bogdanovich, both of Fairhope; and seven nieces and nephews. Peter was preceded in death by his parents, the late Jacqueline Boucher and Arthur John Madden Jr., and by one brother, the late Robert Madden of Minneapolis, Minn.

Services will be 4:30 p.m. Friday, March 21 at the Battle House Renaissance Hotel, 26 N. Royal St. in Mobile.

Memorial donations may be made to the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery or to your local public radio station.

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