By Angela Marshall
His wife, Nadia, said Pierre had fought until the end, wanting to keep going for the couple's four children. He was first diagnosed in 2001, recovered and went back to work the next year, but the disease returned last February.
Not wanting to spend his final days in a hospital, Pierre stayed at home and Nadia kept a constant vigil, caring for him and trying to ease his pain. These long days gave the couple a chance to share what was in their hearts with each other. There was absolutely nothing left unsaid between the two of us every single detail was covered, Nadia said.
The couple met while both were pursing careers in New York City's garment district. Nadia was in sales and Pierre worked in the comptroller's office at the same business. She pursued him.
Aside from being incredibly handsome, Nadia said it was the aura of responsibility Pierre gave off that made him so attractive.
They moved to Rockville Centre 21 years ago and were married in October 1995. The couple eloped to Dallas because Pierre had heard that you didn't need blood tests there, and he hated needles.
The Madacsis had four children, Matthew, 14, Rachel and Peter, 12, and Leah, 8. The younger three attend St. Agnes Cathedral School. Matthew starts at Chaminade High School in the fall.
Pierre's life was devoted to his wife, his children and his work, in that order, Nadia said. Wiping tears from her eyes, she said, He was just so incredibly devoted to me. The sun rose and fell and it was all about me. It is that constant, selfless love that she will miss most, she said.
As soon as the children were old enough to play baseball, Pierre put them in Little League with him as their coach. Charles Cannone, vice president of the Rockville Centre Little League, coached with Pierre for years. He said he was amazed by the dedication Pierre showed to his children. They were his whole life, Cannone said. There was nothing more important to him.
Cannone said most people coached one or two teams, but Pierre would oversee four. And he wasn't just there for his own kids; he made every kid on the team feel special. He was the most conscientious, fair-minded individual that I've ever met, Cannone continued, saying Pierre never took children out of a game no matter how they were playing, because he didn't want to hurt their feelings.
But that didn't mean he couldn't coach at a high level. Pierre even coached Rockville Centre's championship Williamsport travel team. He was the best scoreman in the business, Cannone said. Nobody kept a cleaner book.
The Madacsi children play other sports as well, and Pierre went to as many games and meets as possible, often leaving work early to be there.
During his little free time, Pierre played sports himself. Nadia called him Joe Jock, and said he loved tennis. He also enjoyed watching the Yankees and Jets on TV.
Members of the St. Agnes parish, the Madacsis were active in the Baptism and Renew Prayer groups. Pierre was also a member of the St. Agnes Fathers' Club.
Pierre was born on Oct. 24, 1957, and grew up in Long Beach. His parents, Louis and Odette Madacsi, still live there. After earning a degree in business and accounting at Fredonia College, Pierre quickly moved up through the business ranks and was vice president and chief financial officer at Extrameasures, a marketing firm in New York.
A fund in his name has been started for the Madacsi children. Checks can be sent to the Pierre H. Madacsi Fund, care of Macken Mortuary, 52 Clinton Ave., Rockville Centre, NY 11570.
Nadia said the family has felt an outpouring of love from the community. Although I lost my husband, God's love and compassion are ever present in this amazing community, she said.
In addition to his wife and children, Pierre is survived by his parents, Louis and Odette Madacsi; three brothers, Andrew, Christopher and Jay; and five nieces and nephews.
Reposing was at Macken Mortuary, and a funeral Mass was held at St. Agnes Cathedral on Aug. 1. Interment was at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood in Westbury.
