Monokoski, Stanley A. "Gibby" 63, of Geneva, passed away Wednesday, April 9, 2014 at Journey Care Hospice in Barrington. He was born October 11, 1950 in Chicago the son of the late Stanley and Helene (Washko) Monokoski. Gibby graduated from Northern Illinois University with his BA and MA in Music and did his PhD work at Northwestern University. He was a Professor of Music at Waubonsee Community College where he taught Music Theory, Composition, Music Literature and Jazz Piano, while coordinating the music performance program for over 39 years. Among his honors, he received the Teacher of the Year Award among all Illinois community colleges in 1987. He served as President of the Fox Valley Symphony for several years. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Fox Valley Arts Hall of Fame. In addition he received the Fox Valley Orchestra's first ever Champion of the Arts award in 2013 for his dedication to the arts and arts education in the Fox Valley. He was well loved by his students and colleagues. Gibby is survived by his loving wife, Susan Rogaliner of Geneva; his stepdaughter, Amy Rogaliner of Chicago; his sisters, Dolores (Jack) Nelson of Palos Park, IL, Carole Drust of Marietta, GA, Beverly (Edwin) Lezaj of Flowery Branch, GA and Linda (Michael) Ruberto of Clearwater, FL; and his many nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held Sunday 1:00-5:00 p.m. April 13, 2014 at The Healy Chapel, 370 Division Dr., Sugar Grove, IL. Funeral services will be held at 5:00 p.m. following the visitation at the funeral home. Interment will be private. For further information please call (630) 466-1330 or visit our website at www.healychapel.com to sign the online guestbook.
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Gibby, thank you so much for sharing your love of music with so many. I wanted to have a degree in music so much. Thank you for making my dream come true. It is my proudest achievement. You were always so positive, upbeat and encouraging. Thank you for getting me a ticket at the last minute so I could enjoy Wagner's music at the Chicago Symphony on Valentines Day with the class. I miss you. I know that all of your songs will end with a full cadence. Much love and peace to you and your family. Your life will go on forever.
Karen Langley
May 7, 2014
Gibby's love of music and his love of sharing it by teaching and performing was an integral part of the man he was. He faced his illness with courage and determination to live his life to it's fullest measure. He was an inspiration on many levels.
Judy C
April 16, 2014
Gibby
You gave me so much support as a kid in the business . You were the teacher in charge when I took the certification exanm and here I am 81 and you have already gone to glory. I will so look forward to meeting you there. with much love Georgie Elkin
Georgie Elkin
April 14, 2014
Gibby came to Waubonsee when I was working there in the AV Dept. and we did some projects together. He was a very talented, kind guy with a love of all things music, and that spread to everyone in his classes and around him. It's a little quieter here now with his loss. My condolences to his family and friends.
Frank Christensen
April 14, 2014
A true genius and lovable man! Always sought him out when I heard WCC Steel Drum Band was playin!!! Me and Tony met Gibby when we took a summer school music ed class from him during college. His passion for all types of music gushed from him!.....Bessie Smith & Tin Pan Alley.
Mike "Leo" Leonardi
April 12, 2014
Thank you Gibby for your openess and willingness to share in your passion for music- You were a great friend and huge influence in my life. I hope the music in the heavens are more beautiful than you ever imagined.
Christopher Plasch
April 11, 2014
I worked with Gibby when I was was a teacher and children's program manager at Waubonsee. He was authentic and always made me smile. So sorry for your loss, but know that he touched so many.
Sue Burch
April 11, 2014
Gibby was one of my biggest musical influences who motivated me to take my classical music studies from Sugar Grove, Illinois to Austria and to Belgium. Truly one of the most brilliant men I have ever met. I will surely never forget your personality and I strive to be a little more like you each day. :) Cheers and Godspeed, Gibby.
Aaron Spevak
April 11, 2014
Sorry for your loss. God will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you. 1Peter 5:10
April 11, 2014
Gibby was a great friend and teacher. I met Gibby at Waubonsee. He was a pleasure to talk with and work with. He was always there for his students and friends and I'm sure those who knew him loved him. He will be deeply missed by all and I'm feel honored to have known him.
Nina Ayers
April 11, 2014
Gibby was a wonderful teacher and person. His smile and wit will be missed. rest in peace
jeanine kies
April 11, 2014
Gibby was my favorite teacher at Waubonsee. He'll be sorely missed.
Kim Schomer
April 11, 2014
Our Condolences to The Monokoski Family. Larry and I Send Our deepest Sympathy.
Kathy and Larry Richmond
April 11, 2014
Gibby was a remarkable teacher, mentor, boss & friend. He had such a passion for the Arts & conveyed it in such a fascinating way. I still remember his face when we were at the CSO experiencing Mahler's 9th symphony ....
Betsy Nelson
April 11, 2014
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