Joseph Michael Monahan, 73, passed away very suddenly at Robert Wood Johnson hospital in New Brunswick on March 26, 2020, due to cardiogenic shock caused by a pulmonary embolism.
Joe was born on August 3, 1946, in Camden, NJ. He grew up in Haddon Heights, NJ and was the oldest of four children. Throughout his early life, he enjoyed playing baseball, hunting, fishing, spending time with his dogs as part of the South Jersey Beagle Club, and spending time with his family at their shore house in Avalon, NJ. Later, as an adult, he shared the values with his own children that had been so important to his family: being kind, loving, family-focused, hard-working, and grateful, as well as being a good Catholic and incorporating prayer and the love of God into daily life.
After graduating from Gloucester Catholic High School, Joe proudly joined the United States Navy and served his country during the Vietnam War (from 1966-1969) as a Fire Control Technician on the destroyer USS Basilone. Joe treasured his time in the Navy and loved being out at sea. After his time in the Navy ended, he loved taking his boat, “The Irish Rover,” out fishing down the shore.
Joe graduated from The College of New Jersey with a B.A. in Business Administration. He went on to obtain a job in management at Bell Atlantic and worked there through its merger with Verizon. He was with the phone company for 32 years and was a Manager in Network Operations at the time of his retirement in 2003.
Joe had married the love of his life, Susan, on May 12, 1979. They had two children, Courtney and Jeff, and lived in Hillsborough, NJ for almost 40 years. He was adored by his family and friends and was exceptionally kind, supportive, generous, and loyal. He was a very talented singer with a beautiful voice who was always at his happiest when he was singing. He sang Lead for over 30 years in several Barbershop Harmony choruses: The Deans of Harmony, The Brothers in Harmony, and the Hunterdon Harmonizers. He also sang in a quartet for several years, called “The Firm.” More recently, he also loved singing as part of the church choir at his parish Mary, Mother of God, in Hillsborough.
Joe spent a great deal of time cheering on his son, Jeff, a Somerset County Special Olympian, at his many sports practices and games. He also worked part-time during his retirement at Lowe’s in Flemington, NJ and enjoyed friendships that he made there with his coworkers. He was a Phillies fan and dearly loved his many pets over the years.
Joe was predeceased by his beloved parents, Louis Monahan and Catherine Monahan (Powers), as well as his beloved wife, Susan Monahan (Messinger), of 36 years. He is survived by his daughter Courtney Monahan (and son-in-law Robert Rose) and his son Jeffrey Monahan. He is also survived by his sister Eileen Wian (Carl), brother James (Judy), and sister Katherine Bradbury (Lester). Joe will also forever be remembered and missed by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family as well as his cherished friends the McKeowns and many other dear friends.
Due to COVID-19 and the National and State-wide regulations, the funeral services for Joe are being limited to immediate family only. A graveside service will be officiated by Joe’s friend, Father Sean Broderick, at noon on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. When restrictions are lifted, a memorial service will be held for all friends and family to honor and celebrate the life of this extraordinary man.
In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider making a donation to Harmony Foundation International, which supports the Barbershop Harmony Society’s programs that Joe loved so dearly. Please visit them at https://www.harmonyfoundation.org/memorial-giving
Joe was born on August 3, 1946, in Camden, NJ. He grew up in Haddon Heights, NJ and was the oldest of four children. Throughout his early life, he enjoyed playing baseball, hunting, fishing, spending time with his dogs as part of the South Jersey Beagle Club, and spending time with his family at their shore house in Avalon, NJ. Later, as an adult, he shared the values with his own children that had been so important to his family: being kind, loving, family-focused, hard-working, and grateful, as well as being a good Catholic and incorporating prayer and the love of God into daily life.
After graduating from Gloucester Catholic High School, Joe proudly joined the United States Navy and served his country during the Vietnam War (from 1966-1969) as a Fire Control Technician on the destroyer USS Basilone. Joe treasured his time in the Navy and loved being out at sea. After his time in the Navy ended, he loved taking his boat, “The Irish Rover,” out fishing down the shore.
Joe graduated from The College of New Jersey with a B.A. in Business Administration. He went on to obtain a job in management at Bell Atlantic and worked there through its merger with Verizon. He was with the phone company for 32 years and was a Manager in Network Operations at the time of his retirement in 2003.
Joe had married the love of his life, Susan, on May 12, 1979. They had two children, Courtney and Jeff, and lived in Hillsborough, NJ for almost 40 years. He was adored by his family and friends and was exceptionally kind, supportive, generous, and loyal. He was a very talented singer with a beautiful voice who was always at his happiest when he was singing. He sang Lead for over 30 years in several Barbershop Harmony choruses: The Deans of Harmony, The Brothers in Harmony, and the Hunterdon Harmonizers. He also sang in a quartet for several years, called “The Firm.” More recently, he also loved singing as part of the church choir at his parish Mary, Mother of God, in Hillsborough.
Joe spent a great deal of time cheering on his son, Jeff, a Somerset County Special Olympian, at his many sports practices and games. He also worked part-time during his retirement at Lowe’s in Flemington, NJ and enjoyed friendships that he made there with his coworkers. He was a Phillies fan and dearly loved his many pets over the years.
Joe was predeceased by his beloved parents, Louis Monahan and Catherine Monahan (Powers), as well as his beloved wife, Susan Monahan (Messinger), of 36 years. He is survived by his daughter Courtney Monahan (and son-in-law Robert Rose) and his son Jeffrey Monahan. He is also survived by his sister Eileen Wian (Carl), brother James (Judy), and sister Katherine Bradbury (Lester). Joe will also forever be remembered and missed by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family as well as his cherished friends the McKeowns and many other dear friends.
Due to COVID-19 and the National and State-wide regulations, the funeral services for Joe are being limited to immediate family only. A graveside service will be officiated by Joe’s friend, Father Sean Broderick, at noon on Tuesday, March 31, 2020. When restrictions are lifted, a memorial service will be held for all friends and family to honor and celebrate the life of this extraordinary man.
In lieu of flowers, please kindly consider making a donation to Harmony Foundation International, which supports the Barbershop Harmony Society’s programs that Joe loved so dearly. Please visit them at https://www.harmonyfoundation.org/memorial-giving
