Thomas P. Monahan Jr.

THOMAS PAUL MONAHAN JR.

            Native Staten Islander Thomas Paul Monahan Jr. died at the age of 86. Tom was born January 11, 1937 on Claypit Rd. in the old Sandyground section of what is now known as Charleston. He graduated St. Louis Academy in Pleasant Plains and St. Mary’s High School in Perth Amboy, NJ. In high school he was an usher at St. Thomas’ Church on Sunday mornings. On weekends he worked as a soda jerk in Mackey’s stationary store at the Old Farmer’s market in Greenwich (now Staten Island Mall). During the summer he worked as a manager of Diebold’s Marina in Prince Bay Beach. Winter nights he was a pinboy at the Sunset Lanes Bowling alley.

            In November 1954 he joined the U.S. Navy, graduating as Honor Man from boot camp in Bainbridge, Md. He was proud to be a plankowner for the USS Rigel AF 58 and part of the commissioning crew serving as Boilerman and an Oil King. He received a Captain’s Commendation as an Oil King. In June of 1957 he achieved a boyhood dream of sailing past Prince Bay beach and the marina aboard the USS Sabine TA025, a Navy tanker.

            In November of 1957, he was honorably discharged from the US Navy and transferred to the Navy Reserves. Tom was affiliated with the Navy Reserve and assigned as an instructor of Naval Engineering. Commissioned as Ensign in 1956 he held positions as Training Officer, Executive Officer, and Commanding Officer of various units. When the Navy Homeport of S.I. started construction he became a Liaison Officer between the Reserves and the Navy at the Homeport. He was promoted to Captain and selected as Commanding Officer of the Reserve half of the Repair Facility.

            President Reagan commissioned the renovation of the Statue of liberty to pay tribute to the famous icon of freedom in N.Y. Harbor. The U.S Navy called upon many reservists to assist with security, logistics, and transportation on July 4, 1986 for the unveiling of Lady Liberty. The Navy led the morning festivities with the International Fleet of war ships and tall ships. Tom coordinated charge of the successful ferrying of over 3,600 guests and dignitaries to the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy. Later in the afternoon he transported over 1,000 guests of Governor Cuomo to the SS Empire State for the fireworks display. He retired from the Navy reserves and transferred to the Fleet reserves after 40 years of service in 1994.

            Upon discharge from the navy in 1957 he started working with the Dept. of marine and Aviation as a Marine Stoker in the boiler rooms of the S.I. Ferries. In 1968 he earned a US coast Guard license as a Chief Engineer. In 1985 he was promoted to Asst. Superintendent. In 1988 he was promoted to Director of Constuction and Repair in charge of the Ferry Maintenance Facility.

            While raising their seven children with his wife Patricia, he was actively involved with their lives. Through the years he was coach and manager at the South Shore Little League Baseball field and Chairman of Cub Scout Pack 4, Boy Scouts of America. He ushered in their parish church for over 50 years. He was Team Capt. For two major fundraisers to build St. Joseph- St. Thomas School where each of his children attended. He also helped rebuild St. Thomas Church which was destroyed in a devastating fire. Tom was Chairman of parish Bingo Team, a member of the original Parish Schol Board, Parish Counsel,  and Chairman of the Maintenance Committee. He held every office in the Parish Holy Name/Men’s Club.

            When Camp St. Edward was active during the summer months, Tom made arrangements for the Men’s Club break ground and build a functional vegetable garden for the children attending the camp where they learned the value of reaping the rewards of their hard work. Sister Vincent marveled at the wealth of the plants that Tom started in his own basement months before the planting season.

            When the camp closed, Tom organized the men’s Club to set up a 3,200 square foot vegetable garden on the lawn behind the food pantry. The men secured a fence to keep the deer out.

            Tom was a charter member and past President and Treasurer of the Marine & Aviation Anchor Club, Branch 119 of the Supreme Anchor Club of America. He was chairman and Administrator of the “Joseph Melody Scholarship” program for the Seminarians and Religious for relatives of Anchor Club members. He was Chairman of the Annual Boat Ride for God’s Exceptional Children. The Ferry boat ride entertained over 3,000 handicapped children and adults on and around the harbor from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m, every year.

            Tom is a member of Stolzenthaler KOC #1675; member of Govener Dongan Assembly, 4^th Degree KOC; Trustee on the Board of Directors of the Columbus Club of Tottenville; Past Vice President of Beauvais-Hudson post 126 of the American Legion where he chaired Children and Youth program administering the annual essay contest for 10 local schools and the Post Scholarship program; member of the Fleet Reserve Assoc., member Catholic War Veterans, member Ancient Order of Hibernians-Division 4 and honorary member Great Kills Yacht Club, former member of Board of Directors.

            Tom’s family and close friends will never forget his devotion to his faith, country and loved ones. He thanked God every day for his faith and family especially after his nine-year-old grandson Tommy died in a house fire. He knows he will see Tommy again and cherishes every moment he spends with his family.

            He was so proud of his children and values the times the grandchildren come to visit and help him with his chores. These past few years the visits from the great-grand children light up the twinkle in his eyes. His love for all children is obvious. The little ones know they are his favorite. The older boys remember his firm handshake and respect for who they are. The girls treasure his sincere hugs. Tom looked forward to his frequent phone calls from his beloved sister Grace and Tesha and brother John.

            He was so grateful to his children for their dedication to keeping him home towards the end of his life. His daughters Terry and Melissa made that possible.

            Tom will be missed but never forgotten. “Smooth sailing Captain……… Until we meet again!”

               Thomas is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Patricia (Nisi); His loving children Thomas (Maria), Theresa (Thomas) Quercia, Kevin (Linda), Scott (Patti), Russell (Anita), Craig (Sharin) and Melissa Connolly; his 19 cherished grand-children; his 9 cherished great grandchildren; sisters Grace Badyna and Patricia Birdsall; Brother John Monahan and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Grace Monahan, sister Maureen Pearsall and grandson Tommy Monahan

                Funeral from Bedell-Pizzo Funeral Home, 7447 Amboy Road Staten Island, New York 10307, on Wednesday, August 2, 2023 at 9:30Am. Mass of Christian Burial at St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church at 10:30 Am. Interment to follow at resurrection Cemetery.

                Family and Friends may visit Monday and Tuesday 2:00pm-4:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm.

       In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Staten Island Animal Care and Control in memory of His grandson Tommy. Donations in Thomas’s name can be made to The Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St Judes Children’s Research Hospital.