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John Monahan Obituary
No matter what else was going on in his life, John G. Monahan always had the beach. The beach where he went jogging and swimming. The beach where he read the newspaper before taking the train to his accounting job at Cantor Fitzgerald in 1 World Trade Center. The beach where he and his wife, Diane, courted and committed to each other and returned year after year, just the two of them, just for a few days.
These were along the shores of New Jersey, the state where Monahan lived his entire life. Five years ago, at age 42, he and his wife moved from Bayonne to Ocean Township, where they lived only two miles from the ocean and where they raised their two sons, Terrence, now 6, and CJ, now 3.
But it was farther south, at Cape May, where he and his wife found their escape. They went alone once a year, "adults only," she said. The first time was in 1991; the trip was what Mrs. Monahan called a "relationship-test kind of thing." "You're at that point when nothing the other person does gets on your nerves," she said. "In life, things get deeper as you move on, but that beginner phase is a really good spot too."
Profile published in THE NEW YORK TIMES on December 4, 2001.
JOHN G. MONAHAN, 47, of Ocean Township, N.J., was "a very gentle soul," said his sister Barbara. She said her brother was the calming influence in a large family that included his wife and their two sons, his siblings and their families, and his cousins. An operations supervisor at Cantor Fitzgerald, Monahan referred to himself as the "Family Games Commissioner" because he always organized board games at family gatherings.
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S J. Friscia III
February 16, 2015
In Memory
With Honor & Respect.
Epiphany Chasmar
September 11, 2014
i just wanted to say im extremely sorry for your loss, you probably dont remember me but i went to school with one of your sons, cj, it was at ocean,and my brother damion chasmar went to school with Terrence.i just wanted to reach out and show my support and say my thoughts are with you and ive never forgot about you guys <3
Haley Martinez
September 10, 2012
rip uncle john <3
emma kostenbader
December 10, 2011
Hey Diane! I was online looking for CJ calling out the names of the victims and we wanted to say hi! and we should get together!!!!!!!!!!! My friend and I were reading the article and were astonished to see it!
-Emma K.
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christy shum
September 11, 2011
so sorry abt ur loss ): i might not understand how u feel but i feel sadness for you ill be sure to keep u in my prayers (: may god bless you
Lisa Hughes
September 11, 2010
Thinking of you today, Diane, as always. My prayers, thoughts and love are with you, Terrence and C.J. Remembering John and saying a prayer for him
Lisa, Gary & Meghan Hughes
September 11, 2009
Never forgotten, rest in peace.
Matt Lake
September 11, 2009
Remembering John today, and thinking of Diane and the boys who I haven't seen in too long a time. I wish you only the best.
P Tabbernor
January 6, 2007
In memory....
Kristine
November 15, 2006
As I stitched your name on the memorial that I am doing for all of the victims, I prayed for you and your family. Please know that your death was not in vain. We will always remember. God Bless.
Alice Larkins-Travis
November 10, 2003
I was in John's class all through St. Paul's Grammar School in Jersey City. I remember him vividly as being extrememly witty, smart, and cute. In fifth grade, all the girls who sat near him wanted to be his "slave"! He would pay each of us a nickel a week to get him a pencil, an eraser, whatever, whenever he snapped his fingers. The nuns would tease him about his "charisma". He had such a personality, even way back then.
Sadly as is the case with most school-age friends, we lost touch over the years, but I was devastated when I heard of his death on 9/11. I'm honored that he is such a wonderful part of my school memories. God Bless his wife and sons. If there is laughter in heaven, I bet John Monahan (Lurch) is telling the jokes.
Bill Marks
April 5, 2003
"A Gentle Soul" This is how I remember John from High School. God please watch after his family.
bonnie stein
September 18, 2002
My heart goes out to you and yours. I am sure you are looking down on the ones you love . . . with love.
God Bless
Kristin Anderson
September 11, 2002
Today, on this one year remembrance of 9-11, I placed a flag bearing the name of John G. Monahan, age 47 on the lawn of the Cathedral of Learning at the University of Pittsburgh. There, in a flags for heroes ceremony, one flag was placed for each of the 3,041 lives lost on 9-11. Each flag bore one name and John G. Monahan was the name on my flag. After reading his tribute, I thought it fitting that I received a flag bearing his name....my family also has a love of the Jersey shore, a place where growing up, we spent each summer, between Ocean City and Cape May and where lasting memories were formed. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with your family and may the strength of many lift up hearts still heavy with grief.
Kristin Anderson
September 11, 2002
Bobbi Smith
August 9, 2002
I think about John often,although I never knew him. He was married to my cousin's daughter, and I remember her as a lovely young woman who was very nice to my daughter. I would have met John last summer if I was able to attend a barbeque at his wife's parents' home. I'm so sorry that I never got that opportunity. It's made me see life very differently and I know how important family is now.
Hopefully, I'll remember the lesson learned from 9/11. Please know that Mickey, Bobbi and Lorie (who is now 27) send the Monohan family all their love.
Jeri Dillon (nee) Dooley
June 12, 2002
I had found out about John, approx. 2 weeks after tha attacks.My mother told me that we were related to John.3rd cousin.I just want to let his family I am so sorry.Also my mom told me about John.I had no idea I had more than 1 cousin involved.We lost a cousin, Colleen Deloghery that day also.My prayers are with all of you.We went to the site on May 24th and we prayed for ALL of them.All are in our prayers.
donald forrester
June 5, 2002
god bless you LURCH
Angie Campbell
May 7, 2002
May God Bless and keep you.
Ruth Cruz
March 11, 2002
I have returned to this site many times to make an entry, but I have never found the words which seemed good enough to write. I have said many a prayer, and somehow even my prayers seem to fall short, as the answer to them is not what so many of us would want.
John was a good man who, like the many who were taken on 9/11, did not deserve this, nor did his wife and 2 beautiful boys. He was a wonderful man with a heart of gold, and the generosity he gave to our family alone, was immeasurable. I'm glad for the time we spent chatting over coffee after session. John would come every week to work with our son David in our therapy group. Everytime my son plays with a deck of cards, I think of John, and I promise to not let my son forget. In his silent way, somehow I think he knows.
I pray that John finds his way home, and that we may all meet again in a better place. Ironically David, in his few words spoke at our vigil together (just he and I) for John, "Go with the Angels Uncle John, go with the Angels".
Anonymous
March 9, 2002
DEAR GOD SHINE YOUR LIGHT ON THIS BEAUTIFUL MAN...JOHN G.MONAHAN AND MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE WITH GOD AND HIS ANGELS..GOD BLESS HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN...FAMILY AND FRIENDS..STAY CLOSE AND NEVER FORGET 9/11/01..GOD BLESS AMERICA AND NEW YORK..MAY JESUS AND ST.JOHN GREET YOU AT THE GATES OF HEAVEN.AMEN
Dianre monahan
January 11, 2002
John was my husband for nearly 10 years and the father of my two young sons. He was a man of great depth though he often remained silent. There's not a moment that passes where is absence isn't felt. I'm an extremely grateful for the relatively short time we had together. I will treasure those moments forever..........in my life I loved him more.
And a quick note of thanks to the American people who have been so supportive during this trying time
Teresa Jahn
December 19, 2001
We are very sorry for your loss of John. May his enjoyment of the beach, his life and love live on in his children and all those who love him. Our hearts cry with you.
America Cries
We see your sorrow-
and our hearts cry....
We can not erase your pain
but you do not have to face the anguish alone-for we-
-the American people-
are beside you.
We so desperately want to have the touch that brings you comfort,
the strength that gives you courage,
and the words to lighten your spirits.
And when we are left speechless
may the silence of our nation weave love into your hearts
to ease your sorrow.
May you find healing through our nation's strength as we-
-the American people-
face this difficult time together. Our hearts are with you. Teresa Jahn
Dixon, IL
Dorothy Cochin
November 2, 2001
I didnt know John but I work with his brother Kevin at 1 WTC. Kevin, my thoughts and prayers go out to you & your family. My heart aches everyday for all those lost in this horror. Words can not describe how I feel for you and your family. God Bless you all.
Coleen Cox
October 24, 2001
I knew John Monahan, he was one of the many Monahans of Jersey City. He was my cousin. My family, the Cox family and our upstairs neighbors, who were also family the Tatulli's would spend many a Saturday or Sunday in the spring attending one of the what seemed like never ending rounds of communions, graduation, confirmations parties. After the tragedy reflecting on the past I wondered what would my childhood social life have been like if we did not have the Monahan Family to visit on Pearsol Avenue. If memory serves me there were 6 Pearsol Avenue Monahans and at least 1 party a year, most times more than one. I remember the attic and the potato chips. The important stuff. I hope all the Monahans find peace of mind to cope with the loss of John. I read an entry in John's guest book that wondered if he was happy. I hope so John. I also hope that if nothing else rises above the ashes of this tragedy that we survivors remember the value of a moment. Van Morrison sings "Ordinary life be my rock in times of Trouble" I hope we now know that every moment is a gift and that most of what use to be considered problems are mere fluff in comparison to what is real. God bless everyone who has lost someone, keep something of them in your heart and they will live within you forever.
"cousin" Coleen Cox
Vicki Holden
October 22, 2001
I did not lose anyone in the World Trade Center disaster that I knew personally, and yet I feel the loss and I grieve for those gone and those left behind. What kind of a man was John G. Monahan? Was he happy on the morning of September 11th? Did he have a foreboding of what was to come? I feel sadness for this life, snuffed out so early and so senselessly. I will remember you, John Monahan.
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