William F. Monaghan Sr.

Queensbury - William F. Monaghan Sr., 73, died Friday, July 18, 2008, at his home with loving family at his side. Born in Gardner, Maine, on Jan. 17, 1935, in the middle of a snowstorm, he was the son of the late T. Francis and Hilda Groder Monaghan. A graduate of Mount Vernon (N.Y.) High School, he came from a long line of teachers. Bill graduated from Iona College in ’52 and earned his master’s degree in teaching from CUNY Hunter College. Bill taught for 35 years in New Rochelle, N.Y., before retiring in 1993. A teacher of social studies and history, Bill always asked for the most challenging students. He took great pride in earning their respect and getting them to want to achieve their best. He was always a friend and mentor to any young person. He was an adjunct professor of psychology and sociology at Pace University and at the College of Notre Dame of Wilton, Conn. He was a proud member of AA for 28 years, who led by the example of facing his problems. He was a parishioner of Our Lady of Annunciation where he was on the parish council. He enjoyed traveling, reading, crossword puzzles and especially spending time with his grandsons. Bill was predeceased by the love of his life Sue (Donnelly) in 2002 after 45 years of marriage. He was the beloved father of Hilda Patton (Fred) of Trexlertown, Pa., Gerry Monaghan (Viola) of Ithaca, N.Y., and William Monaghan Jr. (Natalie) of Charlton, N.Y. He was a grandfather of Thomas, Timothy, Caleb, Benjamin and Luke Monaghan and Frederic Patton. Bill is also survived by his sisters Joanne Reid and Hilda Porter (George), brother Michael and many nieces and nephews. He was also predeceased by his brother David Monaghan and brother-in-law Raymond Reid. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 23, at the Church of Our Lady of Annunciation, 448 Aviation Road, Queensbury, NY 12804. Relatives and friends are invited to call on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Regan & Denny Funeral Service, 53 Quaker Road, Queensbury. The family wishes to express its thanks to the chemo and oncology nursing staff at Glens Falls Hospital for their kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Church of Our Lady of Annunciation or High Peaks Hospice, 667 Bay Road, Queensbury, NY 12804.