Matthew Monagas

Matthew Monagas 58, of Normandy Beach, NJ passed away on Monday November 13, 2023. Born in Orange, NJ, he lived in Maplewood before coming to Normandy Beach 48 years ago. He was the owner of Matt Monagas Decorative Stone and Landscaping. He was a Member of the American Legion Post 351 and The Moose Lodge both of Seaside, as well as the Normandy Beach Yacht Club.
Matt was a "thalassophile" – he loved and was magically attracted to the ocean and the sea. Matt was fortunate enough to live his dream to Surf, Sail, Fish, and work around Normandy Beach just about all his life.
Surfing the Casino Pier and then moving onto the larger waves of Puerto Rico & Mexico, while hanging out with some of the best known surfers in NJ. Matt won 1st place in the HODADDY Surf Contest in Ocean Beach and 2nd place in 1981 Surf Association.
He won the B-Cat Sailing trophy on the Sanderling series boats in 2007 at the Normandy Beach Yacht Club.
He won numerous fishing awards, both in the bay and out in the ocean and even off the beach.
He began his Contracting & Stone business back in 1995, and working at the Ciba Geigy cleanup site as well as working on many of the famous and not famous beach houses throughout the area including Bruce Springsteen's home. He trucked sand in and replenished the beaches and plowed snow during the winter.
He was awarded the Bronander Trophy in 2018 along with Rick Lill. The award is given to the member or members who gave outstanding service to the Normandy Beach Yacht Club over and above that which would have been expected. It was surprising Matt received that award only in that particular year, since Matt worked for the Club every year he could, doing whatever was in his power to make the club better for everyone. If there was a rounded stone or grain of sand on the Yacht Club property, Matt probably helped move it there, and cared for it.
Predeceased by his father Raymond, his brother Raymond and his sister Elizabeth. He is survived by his loving partner Arlene Faloba, his Mother Gloria Leyden, his Brother Stephen and his wife Colleen Monagas, a sister Flossie and her husband Rick Haeberle and nieces Kacey and Katie Monagas. Matt is also survived by many loyal friends, including those known as the "boys from the corner of the bar" who will all miss him dearly, but know he will keep the wind at their backs, their lines always tight, the beers cold and the sets never ending, until they meet again.
There will be a Memorial for Matthew on December 2nd from 12-3 at the fire house at 40 KittiWake Ave, Lavellete, NJ. The Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals 706 Grand Central Ave, Lavallette, NJ is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Legion Post 351, Seaside Heights, NJ.
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