Name: Visitation for The Honorable John R. Monaghan
Start: 2021-04-29T18:00:00.000Z
End: 2021-04-30T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, Inc.

The Honorable John R. Monaghan

Fort Gratiot - The Honorable John R. "Jack" Monaghan, 81, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2021 of Lewy body dementia with Parkinson's in his home surrounded by family.

He was born in Detroit on November 17, 1939, the eldest of five children to William and Estelle Monaghan. John was a 1958 graduate of Austin High School. He then attended the University of Detroit where he earned his bachelor degree in 1962 and his law degree in 1966.

John married JoAnn Curtin on August 2, 1969 in Detroit. Shortly thereafter, he was recruited by John Cummings to move to the Port Huron area to practice law. John was a partner in the Cummings, Monaghan, Thomas & McColl firm and later in the Flanigan, Monaghan and Traver law firm. John was a member of the Newman Center Catholic church and was involved in many civic and community organizations including Goodwill Industries, Bluewater Developmental Housing, Center for Independent Living, Burtchville Township Little League, Port Huron Minor Hockey Association, Lions Club, St. Clair County Economic Development Commission and the Community Foundation. John was also elected to the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners.

John was elected judge of the St. Clair County Probate Court in 1988 where he served until his retirement in 2006. He was passionate in protecting vulnerable adults with mental incapacities and renowned for his expertise in trust and decedent estate laws. He was active in the St. Clair County Bar Association, Michigan Probate Judges Association and several state and national commissions involving probate issues.

John is survived by his wife of over 51 years, JoAnn Monaghan; his three sons, Michael (Amy) Monaghan, John (Jennifer) Monaghan and Daniel (Andrea) Monaghan; his seven grandchildren, Jack Monaghan, Matt Monaghan, Maggie Monaghan, Tim Monaghan, Owen Monaghan, Annabelle Monaghan and Cole Monaghan; his three brothers, Edward (Kathy) Monaghan, William (Peggy) Monaghan and Gary (Barb) Monaghan; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy (Charles Bush).

Visitation for John will be at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, 1720 Elk Street, Port Huron on Thursday, April 29th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Church on Friday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Bradley Forintos will officiate.

The burial will follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Emmett, Michigan. John's brothers and sons will serve as pallbearers. Members of the local judiciary and St. Clair County Bar Association will be honorary pallbearers.

The family prefers memorial gifts be made in John's memory to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, www.StClairFoundation.org. John's family will use those funds to support Rev. Simeon's Community Service Fund. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times Herald from Apr. 26 to Apr. 28, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for The Monaghan

Sponsored by Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, Inc..

14 Entries

Jason

May 12, 2021

My sympathies to Mrs. Monaghan and the rest of the Monaghan family. Judge Monaghan will be remembered for all of his kindness. Peace be with all of you.

Joanne (Monaghan)and Edward Draper

May 1, 2021

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

The Eagen Family

Planted Trees

Amy Ronayne Krause, Judge, MI Court of Appeals

April 29, 2021

What a great loss. My sympathy and peace I send to the family.
With my condolences,
Amy

Yvonne (Linck) and David Osborne

April 29, 2021

We were so sorry to hear of Jack's death. Growing up as a younger cousin, I didn't know him well, but my older sisters did and thought highly of him. In later years, he was a wonderful friend and help to our parents. He touched many lives and will be sorely missed.

James Mescher Classmate of William Monaghan

April 28, 2021

My condolences to the Monaghans.

judith linck

April 28, 2021

I am sorry to hear about Jack. I did not see him very often but I always enjoyed talking with him. He was kind and supportive of my parents.

Molly Nuttall Fagan

April 27, 2021

So sorry for your loss. He was a very nice man and a good friend to my family. So many good memories ! My condolences to your family
Molly Nuttall Fagan

Freddie Burton, Jr.

April 27, 2021

To the family of Jack Monaghan, please accept my deepest condolences. He was a great judge and colleague. As members of the Michigan Probate Judges Association, we had many times of learning and laughing. Even had time to play some golf. He was such a nice person, who clearly loved his family and life. He will certainly be missed.

Eternal Affection Arrangement- BASKET INCLUDED

Carrie Dunn

Sent Flowers

Office of the Public Defender

Sent Flowers

Bobbi Banse

April 27, 2021

I offer the greatest of sympathy to Joann and the Monoghan family. Jack was my lawyer, a cousin but most of all my friend. Peace be with all of you.
Bobbi Orris/Banse

Jane Davis Ruthven MacQueen

April 27, 2021

I did not know Judge Monaghan well, but he helped me a great deal in court. Some other judges would not take my case, but Judge Monaghan did, and I was very grateful. JoAnn - I'm so sorry for your loss.

Laura VanHouteghen

April 26, 2021

We are sorry to hear of your loss. We were part of the extended PHMHA family a few years back. Blessings for peace and prayers for healing during this time.
The VanHouteghen Family

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