Mike Monks

MONKS, Michael Francis "Mike" of Mahwah, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 29, 2022. He was 52.
Mike received his undergraduate in Engineering from Villanova University and his masters in Software Engineering from Monmouth University. He was the owner and operator of a doggie day care and boarding home, Camp Bow Wow in Midland Park, NJ. Mike shifted careers when he adopted his first dog, Keller and opened his heart to his first rescue RJ, who both predeceased him. At the time of his passing, he was the proud pop to his rescue dogs Hamilton and Ludlow. Mike continually expressed great appreciation for his CBW team and their dedication.
Mike was passionate about music and was a talented singer, accomplished pianist and participated in choirs and local theater groups throughout his life. He was a performer and former board member with Caberet for Life. He enthusiastically attended all performances of every show or choral performance of his nieces and nephews. He volunteered as Big Brother in their organization. He enjoyed traveling adventures with friends and family. Mike will forever be remembered for his passion for life and treasured sense of humor.
He is survived by his loving father, James J. Monks, MD, his step-mother Jeanette and his seven siblings, their spouses and eleven nieces and nephews; Elizabeth and Sean McCormack and their son Thomas, James Jr. and his daughter Ava, Tony and Monica Monks and their daughters Audrey, Hope and Tess, Joseph and Megan Monks and their sons Benjamin and Ian, Robert and Noreen Monks and their children Michael and Madison, Frank and Elena Monks, OD and their children Aiden and Mia, and his very loving sister Alyssa Monks, who was by his side every step of this journey and devotedly managed his care and treatment plan. He is also survived by longtime friends Marty Goudreau and Elizabeth Malafi, as well as his cousins, aunts, and countless other dear relatives and friends. He is predeceased by his mother Rosalyce (Costa) Monks.
The love in his heart was boundless, as was his generosity. We are all greater people for having known and loved him.
Visitation Tuesday January 3, 2023 from 4-8PM at Vander Plaat Funeral Home 257 Godwin Ave. Wyckoff, NJ.
Funeral service 10 AM at Christ Church 105 Cottage Pl. Ridgewood, NJ 07450.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of Mike's favorite dog rescue organizations
below or a animal shelter/rescue of your choice. Sheryl's Den or Ramapo Rescue