Michael John LaMonica

Michael J. LaMonica, 86, loving husband of 64 years to Christine [Chris] LaMonica, passed away peacefully at home on October 16, 2024, surrounded by the people he loved. He was born in Akron, Ohio, the son of the late Anna and Alfred LaMonica. He is survived daughters Michele LaMonica, Anna L. Spencer and son in law Stephen Spencer, Nicola LaMonica, Giana LaMonica, Christina LaMonica, Granddaughters Gianna L. Robinson, Jenna Takla, Audrey Spencer, Evelyn Spencer, Spencer Feinberg, Grandsons Michael LaMonica and Christian LaMonica, and five great grandchildren. Brothers Nicholas LaMonica and Patricia of Akron, and Lee LaMonica and Kathy of Sharon Center.
Michael was a proud Marine and dedicated public servant. He worked for the Akron Police Department for 21 years serving in the Detective Bureau, Community Relations, Intelligence Unit Command, and SWAT. After leaving the Akron P.D., he became Chief of Police of Fairlawn Ohio, before taking on the role of Director of Security at Sterling Jewelers.
Throughout his career, Michael was the recipient of several service awards, including Jaycee Man of the Year, Knight Cavalier, Liberty & Justice Award, and a Special Citation Award from the National Association of Chiefs of Police. He served as Vice President of the Chiefs of Police Association and later became President of the Retired Chiefs of Police. Additionally, he was president of his class at the FBI Academy, where he earned Master Firearms, and completed advanced courses in Anti-Sniper and Survival Tactics, served as an FBI guest instructor, and worked with the FBI and U.S. Secret Service on several dignitary assignments. His assignments included security details for President Kennedy, Nixon, Carter, and Reagan, and he trained with law enforcement agencies around the world, including the Tokyo Riot Police.
In addition to his law enforcement career, Michael was passionate about martial arts. He was named Director of North America and became Soke (founder) of the Hakko Den Shin Ryu Ju Jutsu Federation of North America, a style of Ju Jutsu taught globally. Michael authored several training manuals on martial arts and began his training while in the Marine Corps. He spent over 30 years training in Hakko Ryu Ju Jutsu worldwide, earning the highest ranked most senior non-oriental in the world, the rank of Menkyo Kaiden-Shihan, San Dai Kichu (Three Great pillars) and becoming the first non-Japanese to achieve this rank from Ryuho Okuyama in Japan. He was also awarded the Makimono Scrolls for the Hakko Ryu Ju Jutsu Federation USA.
His faith was central to his life, he was a devoted lifelong member of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church. Funeral services will be held Friday, October 25 at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, 755 S. Cleveland Ave., Mogadore, OH where the body will lie in state from 10am to 12pm, followed by a service Fr. Nicholas Wyslutsky officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, 3653 W. Market Street, Akron. OH.
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