Thomas C. Monaghan passed away peacefully at the age of 73 on February 5, 2018. Born on January 2, 1945, Thomas was the second youngest of four children and only son born to Madeline and Charles Monaghan. His father was a New York City police officer and passed away when Thomas was still a young boy. Thomas attended Bishop Laughlin High School in Brooklyn. Affectionately called Butchie by those with whom he grew up in Broad Channel, Queens, Thomas was a veteran of the United States Navy and recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, serving with distinction and valor during the Vietnam War. He graduated from St. John’s University and St. John’s law school upon his return from the service and began a private practice in 1975 as a criminal defense attorney after passing the New York State bar exam in his first attempt. Thomas was the loving husband of Noreen P. Monaghan (nee Connolly) and proud father of Timothy Monaghan, Christine Kelly and Tod Monaghan, and devoted grandfather of Matthew Kelly, Thomas Monaghan and Theodore Monaghan.
Thomas was an avid sports fan and often regaled anyone who would listen tales of his exploits as a football player and a boxer in the service. He was also a very skilled photographer and would invariably arrive with camera in hand at any event or function to memorialize the occasion. Many of us would sigh as he’d implore us to pose for “just one more” shot by making a funny face at which you couldn’t help but smile, and as we look back on all the photo albums he painstakingly put together as a result of all those efforts, we are truly grateful. A resident of New York City where he also maintained an office, Thomas’s primary practice was located in his hometown of Broad Channel, Queens, and he also loved spending time each summer at the shore in Rockaway Beach. His 4th of July and Labor Day parties at the bungalow were enjoyed by family, friends and neighbors alike and Thomas would often lend a helping hand or provide free legal services to anyone in need. His generous nature, as well as his wry wit and sense of humor, will be sorely missed.
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