Obituary of Joseph J. Monaghan

Joseph J. Monaghan, age 77, of Washington Township. Heaven gained another angel & a piece of our hearts suddenly on Sunday, January 13, 2019. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Beloved husband of Janet (Price) Monaghan, devoted father of 4 daughters: Denay (Michael) Girardo, Kerrie (Thomas) Kowalenko, Dawn (Anthony) Dameika & Colleen (Rich) Girardo. Cherished Pop Pop of 12 grandchildren: Gianna, Ethan; Ryan, Kayla, Matthew, Katrina, Mason; Danny, Julianna, Keira, Abby; and Giovanni.

Raised in Pennsauken, NJ. He met the love of his life, Janet through his friend/her brother Bill. They were married for 54 years. Together they loved, served & raised a tight knit family.

He served his country and his community. He was a Vietnam Veteran (101st Airborne). When he returned home from Vietnam, he was a Police Officer with Oaklyn Police Department.

He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree at Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) while raising his family and working as a Police Officer.

He learned how to drive a truck as a teen. With his growing family, he left police work & returned to driving to support his family. He was a driver with Armellini, Safety Kleen, R & L Logistics and US Logistics.

After his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and spending more time with his family. Trips with his wife, the kids, grandkids, nieces & nephews. Some of his favorite playgrounds were Hershey, Ocean City and Disney.

He was always helping others and had a strong work ethic. When he wasn’t working or spending time with his family, he could be found training at Yi’s Karate in Woodbury, NJ.

He was an avid martial artist & instructor for almost 40 years. He may have retired from work but not from karate. At 77, he was still training & instructing. He continued going to the gym. He was an amazing fitness role model for all of us.

He will always be remembered for his love for his family, his sense of humor and his dedication to his martial arts family at Yi’s Karate.

He will always be remembered in his blue hat & blue tshirt...wearing a laugh & a smile.

We are so grateful for the lifetime of love & memories.

Our warrior has laid down his sword.

Well done, good and faithful servant.

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In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions in memory of Joseph Monaghan are made to the Cardiac Amyloidosis Program at Penn Presbyterian. Please make checks payable to the Penn Medicine, including “PPMC-Cardiac Amyloidosis” on memo line or an enclosed note, and send to Penn Medicine Development c/o Allyse Orsini, 3535 Market St. Suite 750, Philadelphia, PA 19104. Donations can also be made by visiting www.pennmedicine.org/ppmccardio or calling 215-746-5050.