Fred L. Monari

Fred Louis Monari, age 75, of Lockport, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Diane (née Zuk) Monari; his children Alexander (fiancée Jennifer Perez) Monari and Alyssia (Chris) Monari-Stoeberl; his grandchildren Aden, Liam, Ava, Joselin, and Jianna; his siblings Joseph, Mary, Esther, John, David, Jill, and Ann; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Esther (née Nolden) Monari.
Fred was a graduate of Argo High School and proudly served his country with the U.S. Army for 20 years and 3 months, much of that time with the Army Special Forces Green Berets. During his service, he completed tours in Vietnam, Korea, Germany, Panama, Honduras, and El Salvador. Fred also earned various medals and decorations, including the Army Commendation Medal, multiple Good Conduct Medals, the Vietnam Service and Campaign Medals, Airborne Jump Wings, Air Assault Wings, French Jump Wings, the Cambodia Defense Medal, and a Purple Heart Medal. He also began training with the Army's elite Delta Force program but chose to withdraw following the passing of his father. After retiring from the Army, he met and married the love of his life, Diane. Fred went on to work as a Correctional Officer at the Joliet Prison and later at Stateville Correctional Center, from which he retired. He enjoyed sports, puzzles, cooking, the Chicago Bears, and Chevy trucks, but most of all he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Fred was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him. Visitation for Fred will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Forsythe Gould Funeral Home. Funeral service for Fred will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. Committal service and interment with full military honors will take place at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL at 2:30 p.m. Arrangements entrusted to Forsythe Gould Funeral Home, 507 S. State St., Manhattan, IL 60442, 815-478-3321, www.forsythegouldfh.com