Richard Joseph Monohan

HERKIMER – Mr. Richard Joseph Monohan, 95, a longtime resident of the Village of Mohawk, passed away on December 10, 2023, at Valley Health Services where he has lived for the past six years.
Richard was born on July 29, 1928, in Indianapolis, Indiana, a son of the late Christopher and Blanche (Getman) Monohan. His education was received in Oneida schools and then at Annunciation school in Ilion, New York. He was married to Barbara Kaples in June of 1950 for nearly fifty years, until her passing in 1999. Richard worked for over forty years with great people at Remington Arms, retiring as a supervisor, in the maintenance department. Also, there he held positions within machine operating, carpentry, planner and foreman. In his younger years he worked at Turf Restaurant in Ilion as a busser. Many may remember Mr. Monohan generously helping families as caretaker at Mohawk Cemetery.
He attended the Church of Annunciation, and later Blessed Sacrament Church with all his children as they grew up. His family affectionately coined the term for him that every day was Arbor Day as he literally planted thousands of apple trees and hardwoods. He had a large orchard of hundreds of trees. He was the Johnny Appleseed of our time. Richard enjoyed gardens of vegetables, flowers and roses. He also had a passion for collecting many tools. His favorite times were attending parties and spending time playing cards and having a few beers with his large family. He helped replace roofs and other carpentry work with many of his children on their homes. His work ethic was second to none.
He is survived by his children, Barbara and Jeff Zahniser, of Mohawk, Brenda and Larry Charles, of Mohawk, Rick and Jacquie Monohan, of Ilion, Joyce and Donald Sawyer, of Mohawk, Jill Foley and Larry Miles, of Mohawk, Peter and Nancy Monohan, of Ilion, Daniel Monohan, of Mohawk and David Monohan and Kasey Jones, of Herkimer; Grandchildren are Amy, Jeffrey, Marc, Kelli, Bryan, Erica, Richie, Kali, Kimberly, Stephine, Gregory, Kyle, Kristen, Jason, Susan, Sarah, Emily, Peter, Allyson, Kara and Michaela; 29 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Nancy Monohan, of Herkimer; and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by brothers, Tom, John, Francis and Christopher; and his special friend from Valley Health Services, Pat Seymour.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, December 14, 2023, at 10:30 a.m., at the Church of the Annunciation, Ilion, where his Mass of Christian Burial will be Celebrated. Interment will take place immediately after, at Mohawk Cemetery (Village). Then all family and friends are invited to attend a gathering after 1:00 p.m., Thursday, at Fratello's, in Frankfort.
Calling hours will be held on Wednesday, December 13, 2013, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer, NY and family and friends are invited to attend as well as the Funeral Services the next day.
The family wishes to thank Valley Health Services and its employees for the wonderful care Richard received as well as his longtime physician Dr. Sharma. In addition, the family extends their gratitude to Hospice for their guidance and care of Richard.
Please visit www.eneafamily.com and plant a tree in memory of Dick.
Arrangements have been planned with Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors (315) 866-1011.