William Michael McPadden, known as Mike, died at his home in Chicago, Illinois on December 16, 2020, where he resided with his loving wife, Rachel (nee Doughty) and baby.
Mike was born August 21, 1968, in Brooklyn, New York to parents Jean (nee Mackey) and the late Brian J. McPadden. Mike attended Our Lady Help of Christian’s School, was a member of The Xavier High School class of 1986 in NYC and went on to attend SUNY Purchase.
A prolific writer, author and editor in Los Angeles, New York and Chicago, Mike had a successful career in the art form he felt so passionately about. Mike, or McBeardo as he was known to many, hosted and contributed to a multitude of podcasts, social media sites and recorded commentary for remastered Blu-ray releases.
Mike was proudly 21 years sober, having touched the lives of countless people in this capacity, it was among his greatest accomplishments.
He is survived by his wife Rachel McPadden (nee Doughty) and baby, his mother Jean McPadden (nee Mackey), his sister Katie McPadden Mullaney (Andrew), his brother John McPadden (Sara), his niece Molly Mullaney, his nephews Leo Mullaney and John McPadden and many aunts, uncles and cousins to whom he was fondly known as “Uncle Willie”.
As Mike would say “Be free, be cool and go see the movie”.
A memorial will be held at a later date.
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.