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Giuseppe Monarca Obituary
Giuseppe (Joseph) Francis Monarca, 54, of Rocky Hill, husband of Lonelle (Gill) Monarca passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Joseph, known by most as Joe or Pippo, was born in Melilli, Sicily and moved to Middletown, CT when he was five years old. He was the son of Vincenza Monarca and the late Ottavio Monarca. Joseph was one of the strongest people alive. He was a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle, and friend. He fought Leukemia for nine years and never wanted anyone to know about it because he did not want this disease to stop him from living his life and he did not let it. He was a man who lived life to the fullest, listening to anyone's worries, solving their problems, and always finding a way to turn anything into a laugh. He worked for most of his life as a hairdresser with his sister Rina by his side turning the salon into his very own comedy hour. Joseph and Lonelle had such love for one another; they were often caught leaving notes for each other even if they were spending only a few hours apart. Besides his wife of almost 28 years, Joseph is survived by his four children Nicolette, Dominique, Ottavio (Max), and Mikaila Monarca; his sisters Filomena Monarca; Nella Wilson and her four daughters; Rina Monarca, her husband Roland Chinatti, and their two sons. Joseph was predeceased by his brother-in-law Daniel Wilson. The funeral will be held on Tuesday at 11:30am from the Coughlin-Lastrina Funeral Home, 491 High Street, Middletown followed by a mass of Christian burial in St. Sebastian Church at 12:30pm. Burial will be private in St. Sebastian Cemetery, Middlefield. Friends may call at the funeral home on Monday evening from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Joseph's name may be made to his favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, P.O. Box 2151, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38101-2151.
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Memories and Condolences
for Giuseppe Monarca
Sponsored by the family.
Sandy Taitt
March 25, 2017
Hey Joe. I have been preoccupied about my hair. Woke up this morning watching YouTube videos on how to cut my own hair. Then it dawned on me that this is the anniversary week of your passing. I miss knowing you are just an appointment away. you were my amazing stylist, 1997-2015. Who can replace you? We were silly together. We said the darnedest things. This presidency would be driving you crazy right now. I am praying for your wife, children and siblings, beautiful nieces. You have a great family. I miss you.I brought my granddaughter with me the last time I saw you. She took a selfie and your image was caught in the background. That was February 15, 2015. You gave me a great cut and told me since I was natural I didn't need to come back til September. That was too late. Funny enough I broke my Solano and thought to call you to order one. Then I wanted a new flat iron and thought to call you for a recommendation. That was around the same time you passed. I should have followed my spirit. I miss you Joe . Rest on
August 9, 2016
Dear Loni,
I just wanted to say I was thinking of Joe today fondly, and how blessed I am to have had him as my friend for all those years. I only wish I have gotten to know him better. Praying for him and you. God bless you and the kids.
Wade.
Angela DiPietro
July 6, 2016
Dear Loni, Rina and family,
I just heard of Joe's passing today when I called to make a hair appointment. I am so sorry for your loss. Joe was a great hairdresser and the only one who could tame my wild locks the way I liked. He will be very missed. RIP Joe.
Natalie Jacobs
April 21, 2016
I always looked forward to seeing Joey. He was a great stylist and I enjoyed his spirited political commentary and R rated jokes. He loved his family, especially Loni, who he always talked about so lovingly. He was a good man and I'm glad I knew him. My condolences to Rina, Nella, Phyllis and the Monarca family. You are in my prayers, may God bring you peace and comfort.
Natalie Jacobs
April 21, 2016
My condolences to the Monarca family. Joey was my stylist for many years and I always looked forward to good service along with spirited political commentary and a good R rated joke. He loved his family, especially Loni who he always spoke fondly of, and took pride in his work. I'm glad I knew him.
April 14, 2016
Rina:
I just found out today about Joe. I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. I send you my deepest condolences and prayers at this difficult time.
Sue Michel
Diane Durant
April 13, 2016
My heartfelt sympathy to all of Joe's family and friends. I felt blessed to know Joe and be one of his customers for 25 years. Not only did he give me a great haircut and highlights, Joe was always able to make me laugh and smile. I loved hearing his stories about his family. He was always so proud of Loni and the kids and all they accomplished. The world was a better place because of Joe. Rest in peace my friend.
April 12, 2016
To Joey the Barber's Family,
I just found out today about Joey. I "worked-out" at Cardio-Express with Joey. He always seemed like such a nice man. None of us at Cardio knew about his illness. So sorry for your loss.
Sincerely,
George Luke Adams
Rocky Hill
Ann Cannistraro
April 9, 2016
Sending heartful condolences to Loni & family. Joe was a wonderful man who brightened up a room with laughter as I experienced yrs ago at the salon & recently at physical therapy. May the fond memories comfort you.
April 9, 2016
Dear Rina,
My deepest condolences and prayers go out to you and your family.
Cassandra Edwards
Karen Kelly
April 2, 2016
Dear Monarca Family and Rina all of the Sisters and their Families!
just learned today when I went for my Highlights- an idea that Joe suggested many years ago!
Why have all the same hair color ,that's boring- bring out some sunshine!!
And like Joe , always following the Sun on his vacations! A sunny personality,a killer smile and twinkling blue eyes !
Joe and I would share many talks about Cancer and treatment modalities- being a Nurse and 2 time Cancer Survivor myself,we had a common bond!
Joe lived life to the fullest - loved his Family unconditionally and showed such Courage as he faced his illness- a truly remarkable young Man who will be missed and loved by all who knew him and called him Friend.
God Bless you my Friend and to your Beautiful Family
Sincerely, Karen Kelly,RN. Oxford,CT
Christine Black
March 31, 2016
Rina, and family I was so saddened to hear of Joe death. I use to live in Connecticut and Joe was my stylist before I moved back home to Florida. He was the best hairdresser I ever had in Ct and he was so much fun he kept me laughing and he was so caring and always had genuine concern for others.He always talked about his family he was such a beautiful person.
I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Jeannette Belfield
March 31, 2016
My sympathy and condolence to Rina, family and staff. I will always remember his laughter and friendly demeanor.
March 31, 2016
My sympathies and condolences to you Rina and Monarca Family. I first met Joe in 1986 and have many fond memories ever since. I am saddened by the news and he will be dearly missed! Much love, Jackie (Jones) Williams of Las Vegas, NV.
Barbara Scales
March 30, 2016
Rina and Monarca Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Joe had passed. He was a wonderful and kind person whom I had the pleasure of knowing and not to mention the Best Hair Stylist. Joe was my Stylist before I moved to Alpharetta GA in 1997 and did the best highlights. I've never found another Stylist to take Joe's place. I know his spirit will always be in Rina's Beauty Center. Rest in Peace Joe!
Barbara Scales
March 30, 2016
Rina and Monarca Family,
I was so sorry to hear that Joe had passed. He was a wonderful and very kind person whom I had the pleasure of knowing and not to mention the best hair stylist. Joe was my stylist before I moved to Alpharetta GA in 1997 who did the best highlights and never found another stylist who could take his place. I know his spirit will always be in Rina's Beauty Center. Rest in Peace Joe!
Pamela Reid
March 30, 2016
Dear Joe's family (Loni, children, sisters, and all),
How very sad I was to hear of Joe's passing. As a long-time client of Rina's (before just moving away), I always looked forward to Joe's presence. He was always ready to laugh, tease, argue and joke. He shared his thoughts and the pride in his children. He was a joy to know and I pray that knowing what happiness he brought to all who knew him brings you some comfort in this time of grief.
My prayers are with you.
Sincere condolences,
Pam Reid
March 30, 2016
Dear Loni and family
We were so sorry to hear about the passing of Joe. I still remember sitting in the bleachers and all of us cheering on the boys at their basketball games and their team being # 1. We were just as excited as they were.
I am sure you and your family will carry on his spirit and live life to the fullest every day which is what Joe did.
The Todaro's
Glen, Patti, Adam, Austin
Debbie Arnold
March 30, 2016
Love to the entire Monarca family.
Joe was wonderful! I was a customer for over 20 years. Although, I have not seen Joe in about a year I thought of him often. His laugh and sense of humor always made a bad day bright. A gem who who will be deeply missed. My good friend...rest in peace
Merle Mascaro
March 29, 2016
Dear Loni , Joe's children , sisters , nephews, nieces, and brother in law , and parents... Our heart breaks for your family as we just found out of Joe's passing. I was his client for 23 years. I feel I know all of you having spent so much time at Rina's laughing and talking to Joe and Rina. You are like family and I'm so sorry for your loss . Please carry on his incredible spirit and may his spirit always be guiding you through this world. Our sincere condolences... Merle, Joe, Zachary, Mia Mascaro and Susie
March 29, 2016
Dear Loni and the entire family,
We feel blessed to have known such a terrific guy. Our friend and neighbor Giuseppe was a cheerful, lighthearted man. If we heard classic rock music playing, we knew it was Joe outside working in the yard. If we heard shouting, it was definitely Joe calling for his dog Bruno. He brought such energy to our neighborhood and will forever remain in our hearts. We will always remember that smile as he breezed by in his jeep, giving us a quick beep and a wave.
May our friendship and prayers give you all of you, the strength to get through this incredibly difficult time. It's been said that when we loose a loved one here on earth, we gain an angel to watch over us. Something to think about....
Peace, prayers & blessings,
Tony, Lisa, Zach & Alex Fiducia
March 29, 2016
Sending our heart felt condolences to Joe's family. Remembering a good guy who liked to laugh and enjoy life. Our thoughts and prayers are with Loni, Children and all his family.
Ken & Lisa Brown
margaret bray
March 29, 2016
I met Joe over 20 years ago. When I first walked into Rina's Salon and Joe cut my hair, I knew I would not be going any other place. He listened to what you wanted done with your hair!! A first because all the places I went before Joe never did. They would nod and say, yep sure and you would walk out and find they did exactly what they wanted not what I wanted.
But it was even more with Joe. He listened, period, to whatever good, bad, happy, sad was going on in your life. And believe me in the 20 yrs I knew Joe there was an awful lot we talked about and we also tried to solve all the worlds problems to boot!!
Joe always would say "how are doing Miss Margaret" every single time I walked in the salon. He was always so happy, Joe had such an awesome sense of humor and I loved his smile. You never ever knew that Joe was even sick, he never wanted anyone to worry about him, ever...He Was My Friend and I loved him.
I was blessed to have Joe call me out of the blue in I think the fall and he said he was coming in for a few hours and did I want to get in there to cut my hair. I am so happy I did, little did I know it would be the last time I would see my friend and laugh with him and he give me his usual advice on whatever was going on in " my " life...Again, never about him.
I have no doubt God was waiting for you at Heaven's Door Joe.....
Thank You Joe for your friendship.
Carol Branche
March 29, 2016
Sending my deepest sympathy in remembrance of "Joe". He always seemed to love life and his joy in it made me feel better.I will miss his humor and wonderful styling skills.
Rosa Ramos
March 29, 2016
My condolences go out to the Monarca family. He is truly going to me missed by all that knew him. I will always remember him with love in my heart. He was a wonderful person inside and out. May he RIP.
Edwina Newbury
March 29, 2016
Emily, Alex, my mother, Kay DiIorio, and I are sending thoughts and prayers, as well as our sincere condolences to Loni, the children, and family of Joe. I will always remember Joe as funny, engaging, brutally honest, and the life force of any gym we both went to. He and I got into some spirited "debates", always ending in laughter. He will be missed by many...
Angela and George Inho
March 28, 2016
To the Monarca Family,
So very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
Amos & Michelle Thompson
March 28, 2016
Dear Loni, children, sisters and family. Joe was the best as a neighbor who joked, always had a smile and sang out of tune. I will always fondly remember chasing the noisy woodpeckers early in the morning, chopping trees, trying to get the best deal on firewood and just sharing life's stories. A great guy that I will truly miss. Our prayers are with you.
Edna Desormiers
March 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with the Monarca family. I am so sorry for the lost of such a beautiful person, I will truly miss our laughs at the salon. Rip my dear friend.
Lillian (Chuck) Poplin
March 28, 2016
Rina and Monarca family
My thoughts and prayers are with you. My condolences to the family.
Gail Martin
March 28, 2016
My deepest condolences to Loni and the children and to Joe's sisters and their families. He was always the picture of good health, good living and a spirited sense of humor. He will truly be missed.
Gail Martin
Terri & David Goclowski
March 28, 2016
With deepest condolences to Loni,the children and all of the Monarca family. I have such fond memories of Joe, his zest for life, infectious laughter and his love for his family. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
Sue McTeague
March 28, 2016
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family through this hard time. Joe always made all of us smile and will forever be in our hearts. Ill never forget the good times we had in hairdressing school together.
Love always,
Sue Kevin Taylor and Alexa McTeague
Beth Parent
March 28, 2016
I was so very sorry to hear that Joe lost his battle with leukemia. He was such a fun "character". I always thought, "here comes trouble" when he would walk through the salon door...trouble in a good way. When I look up at the night sky, I will believe the stars are twinkling because he is busy "being Joe" up there. Rest in peace.
Liz Strada
March 28, 2016
Dear Loni, Nicolette, Dominique, Max, Mikaila, Rina, Phyllis, Nella and the rest of the Monarca amily...
I am so very sorry about your loss...My heart is completely broken hearing of his passing...Joe had become a good friend to me over the years and his passing is a terrible tragedy for all of us who knew him...All of you have my deepest sympathy...
I know that he came from a good family and that you loved him very much, as he did you...He always spoke in the most glowing terms of how much his family meant to him...
He was an inspiration to me...
I admired all those wonderful qualities that made him the special person that he was...
He had intelligence, wit, charm and a caring heart that made him a great friend...He had a smile that lit up the whole room!...
We shared so many laughs and inside jokes over the years...He will be greatly missed...
I will always be thankful that I had the opportunity to get to know him better and to call him a friend...I will cherish his memory for years to come....
Karol and Rich Brzozowski
March 28, 2016
Loni and family, My heart is broken hearing of Joe's passing. His smile was contagious, his sparkling personality would always brighten any day. Keep these memories and hold them tight. The love that you shared with him was such a joy to witness, he truly was a wonderful guy and a awesome Dad. Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you all.
March 28, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I will always have fond memories of you as a child as you did my mom's hair and later mine.
Love always,
Michelle Davis Wilson
Charlotte, nc
Kathy Feeley
March 28, 2016
Nella and family, I am very sorry for your loss. May he rest in peace.
Hope Feliciano
March 28, 2016
By far the best hair dresser! I will miss your smile and your constant jokes. You were such a joy to be around and brought the "silly" out in me.
Jocelyn Dowdy
March 27, 2016
Sending prayers for peace and comfort during your time of sorrow.
Juanita Savage
March 27, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Joe's family. I am saddened by his lost and will miss him. He always picked on me and had me laughing with his sick sense of humor while doing my hair. My thoughts and prayers to you all.
Trish and Peter Egan
March 27, 2016
Our deepest condolences to Loni, the kids, Rina, Nella and Phyllis and the entire Monarca family. We loved Joe's love of life and family and especially his one of a kind wit. Our prayers to the family at this most difficult time.
Gloria Trotman
March 27, 2016
Dear Rina and all of Joe's family, I was so
sorry to hear of Joe's death.
I have known him for so many years--long
before he married. He was always so pleasant.
I can remember his joking with Pam and the
laughter they shared. He will be missed.
My deepest condolences to your family. May he rest in Peace.
Donna Calnan
March 27, 2016
Very sad to hear of Joe's passing. He was a great guy, always with a smile and a joke! For sure one of the good guys!!
My thoughts and prayers to Lonnie and the children.
Al & Debbi Uhlman
March 27, 2016
There are no words for the sadness in our hearts, you were one of a kind. We've had many laughs and good times over the years and much love for you, Loni and the children. You were one of the best good fellas. Peace and love to the Monarca family.
Al & Debbi Uhlman
March 27, 2016
Words can not express the sadness we have in our hearts, you were one of a kind. There have been many laughs and good times over the years and much love for you, Loni and your children. You were one of the best good fellas. Peace & Love
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