Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1951
DIED
2025
FUNERAL HOME
Emmet Monahan Obituary
06/30/1951 - 05/11/2025
Emmet passed away peacefully in his home in San Francisco, CA on May 11, 2025. He was 73 years old. He was born on June 30, 1951, to the late Mary and Jim Monahan in San Francisco. He was the second of 4 children born in this order: Sheila, Emmet, Christina, and Mary Ellen. Emmet attended St. Emydius Catholic school until 1965 and went on to attend St. Joseph's High School where he graduated in 1969. Emmet joined CDF (now known as CAL FIRE) in September of 1969 and retired in 2005 after 36 years of service. He was not only a Fire Captain, but also served as an Arson Investigator from 1994-2003, which required him to become a peace officer. Emmet graduated from the Police Academy in 1995.
In 1981, Emmet met the love of his life Agnes at a dance at the United Irish Culture Center. They were married June 12, 1983. Their only daughter, Mary Ann, was born on March 13, 1988. Over the years the family took multiple trips to Ireland to visit both sides of the family. Emmet was a devoted member of St. Finn Barr Parish. He was a huge sports fan. He especially loved to watch the SF Giants, 49ers and the Warriors, along with the Kentucky Derby. Emmet was also known to be one of the best Santas around. He worked as Santa Claus for close to 40 at many different locations. He was a member of FORBS (Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas) and enjoyed the yearly gatherings after the busy holiday season in many different destinations.
The Monahan family would like to express their gratitude to Alexandra Trinidad, who was not only Emmet's care giver but his wife Agnes' as well. We would also like to thank all that came to visit him at home will he was sick.
Emmet is survived by his loving daughter Mary Ann. He is also survived by his sister, Sheila Lawhon; sisters-in-laws: Breeda, Annette, Mary and Marette Dunphy; and brothers-in-law: John Ross, and Father Larry Dunphy.
All are invited to visit on Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 3-7pm and attend a Vigil at 5:30pm at DUGGAN'S SERRA MORTUARY, 500 Westlake Ave., Daly City. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, May 19th at 11:00am at St. Finn Barr Church, 415 Edna St, San Francisco. Burial to follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Colma.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Emmet Monahan
Sponsored by Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City.
jim Hansen
May 20, 2025
Mary Ann: I went to St. Joseph's with your dad and we became very good friends. Your dad was the glue that kept our group of high school friends together through his frequent email about events we were planning as a class or just tidbits about the church or sports. He was a wealth of information! You and your aunt did a wonderful job at the vigil. There were five of Emmet's classmates at the vigil. We had a chance to talk to your aunt after the vigil, but you were busy so we missed you. I wish you the best going forward and if you ever need anything you can contact any of his high school buddies.
Jim Irizarry
May 19, 2025
Emmet Monahan was one of the finest persons I have ever known in my life. A true public servant in so many ways. He was a mountain of a man with a gentle and kind soul. He would give you the shirt off his back even if you didn't ask for it. The greatest Santa Claus I ever met. May God bless him and his family for the many years of service and kindness he has given to us all.
Leda at Dr. Ben Yount's office
May 19, 2025
My condolences go out to the family. Mr. Monahan was truly one of a kind. He was so sweet and kind. I am sad to hear of his passing.
Sally Casazza
May 18, 2025
God Bless the Family.
I know my Late Husband Sgt Bob Fitzer knew Him.
Monica Mc Guire
May 18, 2025
Dear Mary Anne and Family,
Emmet was indeed a very thoughtful and considerate person. His love of family , and friends was stellar. Please know that I am thinking of you as I am unable to attend.
Santa Ric Erwin
May 18, 2025
As Chairman of FORBS, I would like to express the condolences of our entire fraternity to the family & loved ones of our beloved Santa Emmet. He was an ardent supporter of the modern Christmas Community, and always willing to share his expertise & experience with those newer to the Red Suit. He will be sorely missed, and fondly recalled at our next annual reunion-- during our traditional Final Sleigh Ride ceremony...
Richard Conway
May 17, 2025
Dear Emmet , You will definitely be missed in the Sunnyside District ! Your kind and gentle manner is always something I aspire to...... You are a proud San Francisco IrishmanGod bless you!!!!! May He hold you close in the palm of his hand !- Richard Conway Jr
Elaine
May 17, 2025
Emmet was a wonderful human being who was our classmate at St. Emydius School and had been my Kindergarten mate as well. He was our "Class Historian" and began reuniting his classmates yearly over the past 10+ years. He will be missed. I am sure that this need not be said, but "May angels lead you to Paradise!"
Laurie Goldberg
May 16, 2025
I worked with Emmett as a field tech for the San Mateo Elections. He did a great job training me, and I went on to become a Tech fixing voting machines. Emmett was a kind patient teacher. I always looked for him the years I worked the elections, and was always happy when I saw him. He will be missed. but his kindness and sincerity will continue on,
Lawrence M
May 16, 2025
I had the pleasure to meet Emmet while managing the Santa Set at Hillsdale Shopping Center. I have known him for going on 10 years. I have never met someone who exuded love, compassion and kindness to all who met him. He absolutely loved being Santa. To me he was a friend and I will miss him terribly.
Marge Donaldson
May 16, 2025
Dear Mary Ann
So very sorry to hear of Emmet´s passing. He was the glue that help our St. Emydius reunions together. We will all miss his updates and emails on things of interest.
My prayers are with you.
Sincerely
Marge Donaldson
Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results
Make a Donation
in Emmet Monahan's name
Memorial Events
for Emmet Monahan
Funeral services provided by:
Duggan's Serra Mortuary - Daly City500 Westlake Avenue, Daly City, CA 94014
How to support Emmet's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Emmet Monahan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
