Gary M. Monnich

1942 - 2023

Gary M. Monnich
September 1, 1942 - December 4, 2023
Gary Miles Monnich was born on September 1, 1942, in Woodland California to Virginia and Frank Monnich. He passed peacefully in Sonoma on December 4, 2023, at age 81. In 1948 his family moved to Glen Ellen where they owned multiple properties, including a chicken farm on Henno Road. They also owned the property that would later become Sugarloaf State Park. Gary went to Dunbar Elementary School and later graduated from Sonoma Valley High School in 1960. He remained very close with his classmates. He immediately started working after high school for PG&E as a lineman where he continued to work for 38 years and retired as a troubleman. He worked countless stormy nights to ensure his community would have power at all times. He also served in the National Guard where he was a Sergeant for six years.

In 1965 he met his wife Sharon Monnich at a party in Sonoma. They were married on September 7, 1968, at the St. Francis Solano Church. In 1971 they celebrated the birth of their first child Stefanie, 6 years later Matthew their only son, was born. Gary and Sharon founded Monnich Embroidery in 1987 where they worked alongside his brother David Monnich providing countless local businesses with logoed apparel including his biggest clients Disney and Pixar.

One of Gary's greatest passions, along with music and photography, was restoring and collecting cars and antiques. He was known for his attention to detail and style when building a car. He was sought out for his advice and expertise in the hot rod industry and won many awards for his car builds.

Gary enjoyed coffee with his friends for over 45 years, Wednesday night dinners at the Swiss Hotel and genuinely keeping connected and spending time with his close friends. He took great pride in being an amazing grandpa and was very proud of his grandkids.

He will be remembered as a pillar of the community, participating in a lifetime of events benefiting Sonoma's charitable foundations.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Sharon Monnich, his brother David Monnich and life partner Virginia Mooney. His daughter Stefanie Thompson with her husband August and two children Carson and Chase. His son Matthew Monnich along with his wife Cristin and their three children Cameron, Charlotte and Luca.

Gary was honored on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, by close friends and family at Duggan's Mission Chapel. In the spring a celebration of life will be held with a car show in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made on his behalf to JDRF (Junior Diabetes Research Foundation) a foundation that is committed to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes in children. JDRF.ORG