Gary Francis Monahan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Gary Francis Monahan, 75, of Melbourne, Florida on August 3, 2024 after a well-lived life filled with people who loved and respected him. His devoted wife and his daughter Kim were at his side during his final days, at Holmes Regional Medical Center.

Born on November 2, 1948 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Millard and Annetta (LeCompte) Monahan, Gary was the middle child between his older brother Dennis and younger sister Jane. He went to high school in Burlington, NJ where he met his future wife of 55 years, Linda Lee Worrell. At 17 years old, Gary joined the U.S. Army and served honorably from 1966 to 1969, including a tour in Vietnam. After he returned home from Vietnam Gary and Linda were married on April 26th 1969, and together they had two daughters. In 1979 Gary and Linda moved their family to Florida, finally settling in the beach town of Melbourne in 1988. Gary had a strong work ethic and proudly served his country and community throughout his life as a soldier, a Burlington Township police officer, and a 30-year retiree of the U.S. Post Office. Never one to sit idle, after he "retired" he went on to work for Brevard County as a draw bridge tender, a park ranger, and finally for county public works as a heavy equipment operator and truck driver.

Wherever Gary lived and worked, he made enduring friendships with neighbors, coworkers, and all who met him. He went out of his way to welcome new friends and to know people by name. He was happy to lend kind words, encouragement, stories of personal experience, or to wax philosophical over a couple beers. Always willing to offer a second chance, he looked out for the "underdog" and sought to recognize the good in others. Gary noticed and showed appreciation for others' hard work. He left a lasting impression on everyone who was lucky enough to know him.

He was an esteemed member in good standing of the Freemasons Beach Lodge #354 since 1995 and took his oath to heart. Gary endeavored to apply the tenets of Freemasonry in his everyday life and service to family and community.

Physically fit and active for all of his life, Gary was proud of his fitness achievements. He ran for many years, often competing in marathons and local races. Gary loved the ocean and swimming and took up surfing in his 40s. When he was 59 he joined Taekwondo with his grandson and went on to practice it for the rest of his life, earning his blackbelt well into his 60s. In addition to his fitness pursuits, Gary loved being on the water, and he was an avid boater, fisherman, and crabber. An animal lover, he adored and spoiled his pet dogs. He enjoyed nothing more than to kick back with pets, friends, and family at the water's edge and bask in the sun, good music, conversation and a couple beers.

Gary took great pride in his marriage to his wife Linda, and in the life and family they built together. He loved and was incredibly proud of his grandson Zeke, and the role of being Zeke's "Pop" has been one of Gary's most treasured accomplishments in life. He deeply valued his friendship of 35 years with Max Scott and considered him like a brother. His late father-in-law, Charley Worrell, was an important figure for Gary as a young man, who demonstrated an example of kindness and acceptance that Gary took with him in life as he grew and raised his own family. He was a proud American and veteran with a genuine and honest nature, a big personality, and a boisterous sense of humor. Gary will always be remembered as a dependable and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin, friend, and beloved uncle to his many nieces and nephews. The love his family had for him sustained him. He was so loved.

His legacy and memory are carried on by the love of his life and soul mate, Linda, his daughter Kim (Chris) Wailes, his grandson Zeke Monahan, his brother and sister, his many nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins with whom he shared a close bond.

Gary was met in Heaven by his father Millard D. Monahan, his mother and step-father Annetta and Gene "Beaver" Bieber, his father-in-law Charley Worrell, cousins he grew up with and missed, Daniel LeCompte, James Handy, and Bobby LeCompte, and cherished dogs and other pets he has loved over the years.

A committal ceremony with military honors will be held on Friday September 20th at 12:30PM at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery. Please arrive 10 minutes early and line up in your car in "lane C." In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to one of the charities Gary supported: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), or the Brevard County Sheriff's Office Animal Services.