Family pay tribute to 'amazing' Chesterfield grandfather who passed away suddenly after losing consciousness

Joe ‘Joey’ Madden, 60, of Bolsover, passed away in the early hours of Tuesday, August 27, leaving behind three daughters and six grandchildren.

Joe was found unconscious in Inkersall and emergency services were called, but sadly he was pronounced dead at the scene. The cause of his death has not been determined yet.

Jo-Louise Madden, 29 and Emma Madden, 35, Joe’s daughters, said their dad’s death was a ‘shock’ and has ‘left a big hole in many people's hearts’

Joe, born and raised in Chesterfield, was well known in the local area as he worked as a bricklayer, before he was forced to retire15 years ago after being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis.

Emma said: “He used to build homes, shops and shopping centres across Derbyshire for years. I remember him driving around and pointing out places he helped to build, and all extensions and conservatories he made.

"He would always recognise people from the jobs he had done in the past. He never forgot a face and we couldn’t take him anywhere without him starting to talk to someone he knew. He loved to be around people and seemed to know someone everywhere.

“After he passed away, we’ve got many messages from people who we didn’t even know, saying they were thinking about dad a lot and saying lovely things about him. It's nice to see how much he was loved in our area.”

Joe, who moved to Bolsover, was a Leeds United fan and used to watch football games and golf tournaments on TV. Before his health deteriorated, he enjoyed playing golf and boxing.

After retirement, he liked spending time with his grandchildren, including Archie 13, Oliver, 10, Evie, 7, Olivia, 4, and Reggie, 2.

Emma said: “He was amazing with the kids. He used to spend a lot of time with them and take them out to play areas when they were little.”

She added: “He was a mischievous character and someone who would help anyone who needed support. We will all miss him a lot.”

Joe’s funeral will take place at 1.30pm on Wednesday, September 11, at Chesterfield Crematorium. The service will be open to the public.