Robert Monahan

Robert J. Monahan
GETTYSBURG
Robert Joseph Monahan, 91, died Wednesday, December 23, 2015, surrounded by his family.
Born on July 8, 1924, in Norristown, he was the son of the late Leo Patrick Monahan and Elizabeth Fennell Monahan. Bob is survived by his devoted wife of 64 years, Ann Bullock Monahan. He was predeceased by one brother, Father Leo Monahan; and three sisters, Dolores Fell, Ellen Jane Rolston, and Mary Janis.
Bob's father died at age 37, leaving a wife and five children. At a very early age he began working odd jobs to help support the family, instilling in him a tremendous work ethic. Upon graduating from high school, Bob began employment at Boyd's Funeral Home in Norristown. When he turned 18, he enlisted in the Army during WWII, earning a spot with the prestigious 10th Mountain Division. He trained at Camp Hale, Colo. (now known as Vail), before leaving for Europe where he fought at Po Valley in the Italian Alps. Bob was discharged on August 6, 1945, and returned to his job at Boyd's.
Bob married his beloved wife, Ann Bullock, on October. 20, 1951. The couple later relocated to Gettysburg where Bob began working at the Bender Funeral Home in 1953. Eleven years later, on July 1, 1964, Bob and Ann bought the business, changing the name to Monahan Funeral Home, in what remains a family owned and operated business. For the next 20 years, Bob, supported by Ann, operated the funeral home while living in the upstairs apartment and raising four sons. In 1977, the family purchased the Wilson Funeral Home in Fairfield. Over his more than 60 years as a funeral director, Bob assisted thousands of families, considering it a great honor and privilege.
Throughout his life Bob remained devoted to his family, his faith, and his community. He was a member of Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where he attended daily Mass, while his health permitted, and served on the church council. A committed supporter of the Gettysburg community, Bob was involved in numerous organizations including the Lions Club, the Eagles Club, the Elk's and Moose Clubs, the American Legion Post #202, and the VFW Post #15. Bob was also a member of the WWII Last Man's Club. In addition, he served on the Gettysburg Hospital Board of Directors for many years. His kindness, compassion, and generosity were widely known and it was common for him to offer help and support to those in need. In later years, Bob and Ann enjoyed spending time at their beach home in Avalon, N.J., with family and friends.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, Robert J. Monahan, Jr. and his wife, Laurie of Washington, D.C., William P. Monahan and his wife, Sharon, Thomas M. Monahan and his wife, Barbara, and Peter M. Monahan and his wife, Elizabeth, all of Gettysburg; and 10 grandchildren, Kelly Harrold and her husband, Cotton, Brooke, Kathryn, Timothy, Eleanor, William, Thomas, Jr., Brian, Elizabet,h and Caroline Monahan.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 30, at 11 a.m. with a Mass of Christian Burial at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 45 W. High St., Gettysburg. Interment will follow at the Evergreen Cemetery with full military honors provided by the Adams County Allied Veterans. Family will receive friends Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church.
Memorial contributions may be made to Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 445 Table Rock Road, Gettysburg, PA 17325.
For online condolences contact
monahanfuneralhome.com