CGC Grader McFadden Passes Away

Certified Guaranty Company (CGC) notes with sadness the passing of Kevin Michael McFadden, a valuable member of the CGC grading team. He was 64.

McFadden began his 13-year career with CGC as a quality control specialist in November 2004, not long after the company was established. Because of his proficiency, he earned a reputation as the "QC Doctor," before becoming a grader.

As a grader, he specialized in Entertaining Comics (EC Comics), a Golden Age publisher that produced comic books in a wide variety of categories but is probably most famous for launching Mad magazine. McFadden was also well-versed in Charlton Comics, another lesser-known publisher founded in the 1940s.

He graded tens of thousands of books during his time as a CGC grader, relying on his extensive knowledge of Golden Age and Silver Age collectibles.

"Michael was known for his vast knowledge of comic books, especially who the writers, artists and even editors were," said Philip Dispenza, a CGC grader.

Besides McFadden’s encyclopedic knowledge, his CGC colleagues remembered him for his wit and friendly eccentricity.

"He was just so likable, funny and charismatic," said David Kopera, a CGC grader.

"Michael loved to tell stories, but he wouldn’t just tell them; he would perform them," said Matt Dakan, another CGC grader. "He would do voices and sound effects, and sometimes even give background music suggestions."

Paul Litch, primary grader at CGC, said he appreciated McFadden’s friendship.

"Michael would send me texts that were both wildly encouraging and quirky when he could tell that I was having a difficult day,” Litch said. “To me, that was Mike. He was my unconventional friend and I was blessed to have had him in my life."

CGC grader Michael Morgan said McFadden’s willingness to share his expertise is his legacy to his colleagues.

"Michael was always so generous with his comic book knowledge, and that is something that continues to be passed along at CGC,” Morgan said. “He will be greatly missed, but he would be proud to know that, in many ways, we are still learning from him."

McFadden loved both the collectible comics hobby and encouraging others to get more involved in it. He was a longtime participant of Archon Science Fiction and Fantasy Convention, even serving as its convention host in 2001. He was also a member of SAGA, the Silver Age Golden Age Collectors Group of St. Louis, where he lived and helped build interest in the hobby before moving to Florida.

He also published a “fanzine” called “Son of Grafan,” and had built an impressive comic book collection focused on EC Comics and Silver Age Marvel. Spider-Man, Martian Manhunter and Adam Strange were his favorite characters.

Besides comics, McFadden was a lifelong fan of Cardinals baseball.

“The CGC family is deeply saddened by the loss of such a talented and personable individual, but I find the many fond memories shared by Michael's colleagues to be heartwarming,” said Mark Salzberg, Chairman of CGC.

McFadden is survived by two daughters, Erin and Patricia. A memorial gathering will be held in St. Louis on Feb. 17; a service will be held Feb. 18. To read more, click here.