Timothy R. Madeja

Age 34, of Georgetown, PA, formerly of Beechview, on Friday, June 19, 2015. After a long, brave battle with brain cancer he went home to the Lord surrounded by love. Loving husband of Cherie and stepson, Nick Bane; loving son of Patty (Pearce) and Bob Madeja; his devoted brothers, Jeremy (Sherry) and Jeff Madeja; he was a fun and loving uncle to Andrew, Tyler and Ryan Madeja; preceded in death by his grandparents, Francis (Nancy) Madeja, John and Margaret Pearce (Tim's grandma Pearce passed away within an hour of Tim); he is survived by many loving and devoted aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws. Tim was the second of three sons to Patty and Bob. He was a born again believer who trusted God's plan with his life. He never complained and dealt with his cancer and blindness with great strength and faith. He may have lost his sight, but never his vision. His heart was huge and he always had a smile on his face. He had a great compassion, often giving money and words of encouragement to the homeless and needy. His ability to laugh was infectious. Quick witted, fun loving and a practical joker, Tim was full of life. He had a beautiful spirit and soared up to heaven. He attended the Hookstown Free Methodist Church often praising God for his healing of 12 years. Pastor Olszewski remained at Tim's side through his trials. Pastor Dewaine counseled and uplifted him. Tim was an avid golfer. He and his dad would be seen all over the area playing scrambles with all of his golf buddies. Tim said, "If I hit a bad shot it's because dad didn't line me up properly." He maintained a strong and accurate swing up to the end. He and his father were inseparable. The competition was fierce. Onlookers didn't believe Tim was visually impaired. Every night he would play cards with his mom. His favorite game of 31 was a family favorite card game that started at the "cottage". We played for quarters knowing the winner would treat for our Sunday trip to Dairy Queen on the way home. Tim often treated for ice cream; he had an extraordinary ability to "see" the hands of his opponents. He loved hunting, his brother Jeremy would sit next to him directing his shot, waiting patiently with countless hours sitting in a tree stand to achieve his goal. The treasure was the many conversations shared between the two. They were not just brothers but best friends, they were devoted to each other. His brother, Jeff always looked out for Tim and helped him. Jeff made sure he was taken care of, he and Jeff lifted weights together and were exercise buddies. The irony is Tim worried about Jeff, Jeff was his little brother. Even with his vision loss he water skied and wake boarded doing turns and jumps. He trusted his brothers to guide him. Tim never passed an opportunity for adventure. He ziplined and rappelled. Prior to his vision loss he had a passion for dirt bikes, which was instilled in him by his uncle, George at an early age. George, who was like a second father to him, took him along with his brother, Jeremy and his son, Michael, riding in the woods and climbing hills. After his vision loss we drove him in a "Rhino" a four wheeler that Tim said was a golf cart on steroids. Tim would raise his hands and yell "yeehaw" while traveling through the woods. He trusted his mom and brother to drive. Much time was spent at the "cottage" with family doing all the things he loved. Whether casting a rod or jumping into the Allegheny, he enjoyed being with family. He dreamt of that big musky, just waiting to be caught. He set many hours ice fishing. He missed his grandfather who taught him the lesson of hard work and family values. One of his greatest achievements was to find the love of his life, Cherie. They were married on the beach in September of 2013. He and Cherie got to live in their new home only a few short weeks. She gave him great care and love. He was a 2002 graduate of PTI with a degree in electronics engineering. Shortly after graduation he was diagnosed with brain cancer. Simmons Business Systems maintained his job anticipating his return, but Tim had to resign with his vision loss. After we learned of Tim's battle ending he wanted to go to Las Vegas. He spent long hours listening to his favorite TV shows, Pawn Stars, Ricks Restoration and Kounts Cars, Jeremy from Ultimate Sports. He got to meet Rick Dale of Ricks Restoration and Jeremy from Ultimate Sport. They had a private meet and great. Tim said that was the highlight of his trip. All ten of us had the best time. Thank you to all of his uncles who spent endless hours on the phone with Tim and helped him pass the long hours, to the golf buddies, to his cousin, Jim who took Tim to the gym for workouts, his brothers who stood by his side and his doting wife who kept him laughing. Special thanks to Dr. Joann Strain, ophthalmologist, who first diagnosed Tim and saved his life and Dr. John Charley, neuro ophthalmologist, who preserved the balance of his vision. Special thanks to Tim's medical team; primary care Dr. David Lilienthal, neurosurgeons, Dr. Johnathan Engh and Dr. Leland Albright, Jen Maybold PA and Donna Scalercio RN, Julie Haugh RN for their great care and compassion and all the wonderful people at Hillman Cancer Center. A very special thank you to Dr. Frank Lieberman, neuro oncolgist, who stood by his side for 12 years throughout this process. He is to be admired not only for his excellent skills in treating brain cancer but also his kind heart and humbleness. His compassion and integrity is to be admired. Our love and thanks to you Dr. Lieberman, even though you didn't have anything to do with Tim's loss of sight, you apologized for not being able to save it. Thank you for sharing your gift. We met many people at the Hillman Cancer Center who we shared a special bond with. We spent many hours talking and giving eachother hope to our friends and family members who are also in treatment God has you in his loving arms and stay strong. Thank you to our friends and family who help hold us up and stood by our side. We love you all, Tim and Cherie said at their wedding "tomorrow is never promised, so today we want all of our friends and family to know how THANKFUL we are that all of you are in our lives." Tim's message "open up your hearts and accept Jesus as your personal savior. See you on the other side."