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Joseph Monek Obituary
JOSEPH “JOE” MONEK, SR.
May 28, 1933 ˜ July 23, 2023
Our beloved father went to join his lovely bride, Marie, of 55 years in heaven on July 23, 2023. Dad was loved by everyone who knew him. His contagious laugh, great sense of humor, kindness and willingness to help, was a gift he showed to everyone.
Dad was born at home in Linden, NJ, on May 28, 1933, to Julius and Elizabeth (Szepesi) Monek. He joined the Navy in 1954 during the Korean War and served on the USS Opportunity. During one of his military leaves, he met his lovely bride, Marie, at St. Thomas Island, in the Bahamas, and they married on Oct. 13, 1956. They were blessed with a son and daughter, Joe, Jr. (Marie) and Lorraine (Richard) Nicola.
He attended Linden High School in Linden, NJ. After serving in the Navy, he went on to get his bachelor of science in electrical engineering at Fairleigh Dickinson University, where he attended night school for 13 years while working as a truck driver/warehouse. After receiving his electrical engineering degree, he went to work for Western Electric in Kearney, NJ, then in 1971, he transferred to Vancouver, WA. When the plant closed during the recession in 1974, he and mom went into the restaurant business. They successfully ran Marie’s Kitch, Giuseppes and Uncle Joe’s Pasta and Deli, where their grandchildren received their first jobs! He and mom spent 45 years in the People of Praise Community where they established lifelong friendships and sharing a life in Jesus.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents; his bride; sisters, Rose, Mary and Betty; and a brother, Ritchie. He is survived by his children; his six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jake and Gaza from New Jersey.
Please join us as we honor/celebrate a life well lived.
Service will be held at the Columbarium in Park Hill Cemetery at 2 p.m. on Aug. 26, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, you may donate to one of the following in memory of dad:
SW Hospice-PeaceHealth
Direct your donation to SW Hospice
St. Jude - www.stjude.org/donate
Please share a memory @ www.columbian.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Monek
6 Entries
Jeff Stewart Nokomis FL
November 30, 2023
Many fond memories ofJ Joe and Marie from our Columbia River days. We -all who worked there and transferred in from elsewhere- viewed our new life there as an adventure of a special kind. Joes spirit and enthusiasm was catching and inspirational and remembering those days- some of the best of my life- were and are so special to this day. I remember his children as young and happy- what else- growing up there in their new world. Those were special days! I am sure they are carrying today Joes and Marie´s spirit and energy
I will miss you Joe but will have always those special memories.
Trish & Bud Nicola
August 24, 2023
In loving memory of Joe Monek. Although we can't be with there for the service on August 26, Joe and family will be in our thoughts and prayers. Love & hugs, Trish & Bud
Mary
July 31, 2023
Mr. Monek was one of my favorite customers. He would come in, pretending to be all grumpy. He was always so funny. His smile and laughter could brighten any day. I enjoyed his conversations and stories. I'm sorry for your loss. He was a great man!
Kathy Angelo
July 30, 2023
So sorry to hear about the passing of Joe, such a loving and wonderful soul, All my love and prayers to your family. Kathy Angelo
Brenda Hofman
July 28, 2023
Lori, I am so sorry for your loss. Both your parents were such fine people, loved visiting their restaurant. Brenda (Manor) Hofman
Trudy A Rees
July 26, 2023
Joe, Marie and family, We were sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Trudy and Mark Rees
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