Richard Arthur "Dick" Maddy
Richard Arthur "Dick" Maddy (December 24, 1923 – August 3, 2006) was an American musician, instrument maker, educator, and World War II veteran. He was the son of Joseph E. Maddy, founder of the Interlochen Center for the Arts, and was associated with the development and administration of Interlochen Arts Academy during the mid-20th century. Maddy was known for his work as a percussionist, violin maker, music educator, arts administrator, and military veteran.
Early life and education
Maddy was born on December 24, 1923, in Richmond, Indiana, to Joseph E. Maddy and Marie C. Maddy.
He grew up in an environment centered around music education and the early development of what later became the Interlochen Center for the Arts. He attended Interlochen as a student camper from 1938 through 1942 before graduating from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia.
Military service
During World War II, Maddy served in the United States Army Air Forces as a radio operator and waist gunner aboard the Martin B-26 Marauder with the Ninth Air Force. He participated in bombing operations in the European theater supporting the Normandy invasion.
Maddy received military decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, and Air Medal for his service.
Music and craftsmanship
Following military service, Maddy attended the University of Michigan, where he studied music education.
He later taught music in Kingsley, Michigan, and operated music retail businesses in the Ann Arbor area before becoming involved in professional instrument craftsmanship and repair.
Maddy became known for violin and viola craftsmanship, including restoration and repair work for professional musicians. He was associated with restoration work involving historically significant string instruments.
In 1963, he returned to Interlochen and served as comptroller of the Interlochen Arts Academy during the institution’s expansion into a nationally recognized arts academy.
Maddy also performed as a tympanist with ensembles including the Interlochen Orchestra, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra, and the Traverse Symphony Orchestra.
Personal life
Maddy married Barbara Davis, and later, re-married to Janet Elizabeth Rieder-Henderson, a geologist, educator, and pilot associated with the University of Michigan and later aerospace work.
Legacy
Maddy remained associated with Interlochen and music education throughout his life. His work connected military service, music education, instrument craftsmanship, and arts administration during the formative growth of Interlochen Arts Academy into an internationally recognized institution for arts education.
Maddy died on August 3, 2006, in Interlochen, Michigan.