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John Philip Monahan

1932 - 2023

John Philip Monahan obituary, 1932-2023, Lexington, VA

John Monahan Obituary

John Philip (Phil) Monahan, age 90, passed away peacefully in Lexington, VA on Thursday, July 20, 2023, surrounded by his children who were blessed to be with him in his final days. He was born on October 15, 1932, son of the late Tim and Liz (Fayne) Monahan of County Roscommon, Ireland. Phil was a native son of San Francisco, CA (Burlingame) where he attended Junipero Serra High School excelling in football, basketball, and baseball. He headed east in 1951 to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating with the class of 1955 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. While at Navy, he was a two-sport letterman in baseball and football and captained the 1954/55 football team as half-back. That year, Navy defeated heavily favored Ole Miss 21-0 to win the SUGAR Bowl, earning them the title - A TEAM CALLED DESIRE. His football teams went 3-1 against Army. Upon graduation from USNA, Phil was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps serving God, Corps and Country for 35 years, and rising to the rank of Major General. He served two combat tours in Vietnam and commanded units ranging in size from platoon to Marine Expeditionary Force. He earned an unrivaled professional reputation and widespread respect for his passionate dedication and service to his Marines. He struck gold when he met and married his soulmate Mary Teresa (Terry) Vanderbeck of Glen Rock, NJ on May 30, 1959. What they were shorted in time of only 41 years of blessed marriage by Terry's early passing in 2001, they loved a lifetime, raising a tightknit family while living on/around numerous military installations and coping with multiple deployments and separations. When not deployed, Phil was often coaching, umpiring, and volunteering in the community. His athletic prowess and competitive nature were passed down to his children who all excelled at sports at the collegiate level. After retirement from the Marine Corps in 1990, Phil returned to his love of sports and served as the Director of Football Operations, initially at the University of Virginia and subsequently at Boston College, where he continued to instill the fighting spirit, and ethos of others before self to our future generations. Striking gold again, God further blessed him with one more soulmate when he met and married fellow widow, Suzanne Thomson from Roselle Park, NJ in 2003. They settled on Long Beach Island, NJ where they became beloved parents and grandparents to a now larger extended family, eagerly travelling far and wide to fully embrace family sporting events, graduations, first communions, confirmations, and weddings. Phil is predeceased by his first wife, Terry, brothers Tim and Tom, his second wife Suzanne, and Suzanne's sons Peter and Michael. He is survived by his brother, Jim Monahan (Janie) and sister Cecilia Wilkinson (George), children, John Monahan (Marcela), Dan Monahan (Terri), Mary Kate Looney (Patrick), Bob Thomson (Tina), Karen Flannery (Jeff), David Thomson (Kathy), Maggie Thomson and Christine McNally (Michael). The "General" is also survived by twenty-eight loving grandchildren; Bridget, Kiley, Patrick, Mary Grace, Kathleen, Shannon, Cecilia, Margaret, Bailie, Cullen, Nolan, Tali, Seamus, Patrick, Finbar, Michael, Jack, Mary, Grant, Scott, Ryan, Morgan, Greg, Taylor, Robbie, Mikey, Andrew, and Brad...who all certainly inherited his competitive spirit and keen sense of humor. A devout Catholic, Phil was a man of deep faith with remarkable character who embodied SEMPER FIDELIS towards God, Country and Family. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose larger-than- life persona will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A full-honors funeral / service will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. Date and details will be announced on www.legacy.com when available. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made "In Memory of MajGen John P. Monahan '55". Donations by mail may be addressed to the attention of Victoria Sever, Gift Administration, U.S. Naval Academy Foundation, 301 King George Street, Annapolis, Maryland 21402, (410) 295-4122 or made online www.usna.com in tribute.
Published by The Free Lance - Star from Jul. 26 to Jul. 27, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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Nicholas Louis CImmento

September 22, 2025

He was my football coach at Camp Lejeune. Our season was canceled due to the cuban missile crisis. One of the best Coaches I ever played for during my football playing days. He is in my daily and nightly prayers.

Daniel J. McGee LtCol USMC (Ret)

July 21, 2025

May God hold you in His loving palm.
I miss you General and smile often of our time serving together

Karen flannery

December 18, 2024

We miss you and love you, Phil. Love from all of Suzanne´s family

Jerry Ims Cpl USMC

October 15, 2023

I served under JP Monaghan Col USMC Commanding at Marine Barracks 8&I 1969-1980

Had the privilege of speaking on the phone with the General after the passing of his first wife but before the passing of his second

Great talking to the General
He did remember me

Lacking a father figure of my own he was fine example for many of us in the late 70´s.

I only left the Corps due to the Hostage crisis!!

I would like to have served under the General in the 80´s

I have faith to see him again

Michael Gardner

September 14, 2023

I first knew General Monahan when he was the CO of Marine Barracks Washington DC. Later served with him at 29 Palms California. One of the finest Marine Officers I've had the pleasure to know and work with.
Semper Fi anmd RIP sir,
MGySgt. Michael H. Gardner (Ret)
Drum Major The Commandant's Own 1988-1987

Stephanie

August 23, 2023

Rest in peace Philippe I love you and I will miss you

Single Memorial Tree

Daniel & Patricia McGee

Planted Trees

Stephen Forman

July 27, 2023

It was always my great pleasure to see him when visiting with his son John (my dear friend for over 15 years). I have never truly appreciate the sacrifices one makes when being in the military until I met the Monahan family. I am a humbled and better person now then I ever was. This country and family has lost a great American and I am forever grateful for having known him.

Bill & Susan Ellis

July 25, 2023

In memory of JP Monahan, whose greatness was undoubtedly noted by his fellow Marines and his beautiful family. Thank you for raising your son (our friend) John, who together with Marcela continued your legacy of leadership and family. May your life continue to inspire greatness.
Respectfully, Bill Ellis (Col. USAF, Ret) and Susan Ellis (Capt. USAF).

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