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John Monahan John was 47 years old, our oldest brother. He grew up in Jersey City in the midst of a large family and attended St. Paul’s grammar school. John was an altar boy and spent many of his childhood days paying basketball in the courtyard, where he cultivated a circle of friends who have remained close throughout the years. John and my other brothers often reminisced about the “courtyard days”, recalling not only the basketball games but also my mother’s unexpected personal appearances. (I think she broke up a few card games!) With many of his friends, he attended Hudson Catholic High School. After graduating in 1972, John went to work for Banker’s Trust in Jersey City, where he later met his wife, Diane. John and Diane married in St. Henry’s Church in October of 1991. They lived in Bayonne for several years where they planned and saved for the future. In 1993 John joined the firm of Cantor Fitzgerald. Shortly after, they began to realize their dreams. The purchase of their new home in Ocean Township was followed quickly by the birth of their first son, Terrence, who will be 6 in November. Terrence is the image of John and possesses many “Monahan” traits, so we’re hoping for Diane’s sake that her second son, CJ (age 3), turns out to be a Kracov (Diane’s maiden name). John called the kids “his buddies”. They were planning a trip to Florida to celebrate their upcoming 10th anniversary. John was a humble and unassuming person. He didn’t wear expensive clothes or own a fancy car. In fact, he preferred not to drive at all. He had little interest in material possession, beyond the basic necessities (which definitely included a golf club and a football). John was the quiet, serious one in the group. He paid attention to every detail and followed all the rules, even when it came to playing a family game of Jeopardy. He always insisted that we play by the official rules. Anyone who broke a rule was immediately disqualified. And so, we affectionately called him “The Commissioner” and unanimously elected him to preside over family activities. John was an avid golfer and a loyal Jet fan. John was completely devoted to Diane, Terrence and CJ. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family, be it a holiday celebration, one of the kid’s birthday parties, a family ski trip, a picnic at the track or just a swim in the pool. Last month, John, along with other family members, flew to New Mexico to attend Corey’s wedding (Corey is John’s godson). John and Diane were coordinating a Monahan family trip to Disney for the fall of next year. On September 11th, one minute after the first plane struck the World Trade Center, John called Diane. He said, “There is a fire in the building. I love you and the boys. I don’t think I’m going to make it out.” I think Diane put it best in her remarks to a reporter from the Asbury Park Press when she said, “He was everything to us and we were everything to him.” Needless to say, there are no words to describe how much we will miss him.
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Tributes
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John was 47 years old, our oldest brother. He grew up in Jersey City in the midst of a large family and attended St. Paul’s grammar school. John was an altar boy and spent many of his childhood days paying basketball in the courtyard, where he cultivated a circle of friends who have remained close throughout the years. John and my other brothers often reminisced about the “courtyard days”, recalling not only the basketball games but also my mother’s unexpected personal appearances. (I think she broke up a few card games!) With many of his friends, he attended Hudson Catholic High School. After graduating in 1972, John went to work for Banker’s Trust in Jersey City, where he later met his wife, Diane.
John and Diane married in St. Henry’s Church in October of 1991. They lived in Bayonne for several years where they planned and saved for the future. In 1993 John joined the firm of Cantor Fitzgerald. Shortly after, they began to realize their dreams. The purchase of their new home in Ocean Township was followed quickly by the birth of their first son, Terrence, who will be 6 in November. Terrence is the image of John and possesses many “Monahan” traits, so we’re hoping for Diane’s sake that her second son, CJ (age 3), turns out to be a Kracov (Diane’s maiden name). John called the kids “his buddies”. They were planning a trip to Florida to celebrate their upcoming 10th anniversary.
John was a humble and unassuming person. He didn’t wear expensive clothes or own a fancy car. In fact, he preferred not to drive at all. He had little interest in material possession, beyond the basic necessities (which definitely included a golf club and a football). John was the quiet, serious one in the group. He paid attention to every detail and followed all the rules, even when it came to playing a family game of Jeopardy. He always insisted that we play by the official rules. Anyone who broke a rule was immediately disqualified. And so, we affectionately called him “The Commissioner” and unanimously elected him to preside over family activities.
John was an avid golfer and a loyal Jet fan. John was completely devoted to Diane, Terrence and CJ. Above all, he cherished the time he spent with his family, be it a holiday celebration, one of the kid’s birthday parties, a family ski trip, a picnic at the track or just a swim in the pool. Last month, John, along with other family members, flew to New Mexico to attend Corey’s wedding (Corey is John’s godson). John and Diane were coordinating a Monahan family trip to Disney for the fall of next year. On September 11th, one minute after the first plane struck the World Trade Center, John called Diane. He said, “There is a fire in the building. I love you and the boys. I don’t think I’m going to make it out.” I think Diane put it best in her remarks to a reporter from the Asbury Park Press when she said, “He was everything to us and we were everything to him.” Needless to say, there are no words to describe how much we will miss him.
John, a son,brother,husband,father,uncle,
brother in-law, son in-law & to many a friend.He enjoyed the simple things in life. Trips to monmouth park, parties at the Vanderbilts (hosted by his wife Mrs Vanderbilt), the Army football game with his father in-law Sol & just hanging out with family & friends.He loved the Yankees & Jets & was the leader of all of the jet fans from the courtyard even if he was caught rooting for the Giants in 87. (a mortal sin among Jet fans).His last words were to his wife Diane when he called on the 11th to tell her he loved her & the kids.A quiet man. A great man. We miss you John & think about you everyday. Go Jets.
John,
I was always SO proud of you.
The way you ALWAYS had your priorities straight!!!
I remember…when you walked to the train station when you wife needed the car at 5:30 in the morning….Taking care of responsibilties at
work,always staying late and being a GREAT company man! And a good supervisor. And the way
you always had time for your wife & your two
beautiful boys…seeing you at the park with them
feeding ducks & playing with them.
I will always cherish every moment we had together
commuting on our 2 hour train rides playing GIN,
and listening to me when i needed someone to talk to. You even tried to teach me how to play GOLF.
I LOVE YOU!! AND MISSYOU!!!!
Dave Walsh
John was such a good guy. I’ll miss his easy-going manner and sense of humor. We once drove back from Delaware together and played Travel Trivia the whole way home. We shared a lot of laughs that afternoon–he taught me the term “hat trick” during that car ride. It’s memories like that which I now hold so dear.
I’m grateful that I was able to spend time with John the Sunday before at a family get together. With each hour that passes, we are constantly reminded of the horrific events of September 11th, and my heart breaks over and over again. I’m anxious for a time when I can think about John with a smile rather than a tear. A piece of his (truly good) soul lives on in all who knew him. He is sorely missed in our family.
John,
Every Monday morning I’m waiting for your call to tell me how great the Jets played and how horrible the Giants looked. I never thought I’d miss those calls but I really do, pal. You were always a great friend and a stand up guy. I’ll always miss your knowledge of sports and your great Monday morning quarterbacking.
I miss you buddy. Keep those guys in line up there!!
Kevin
John was my mentor in the Reconciliation Department of Operations for over two years. I worked closely with him day in and day out and we had some very long nights in which he taught me every nook and cranny of our business and how everthing worked. He never got frustrated and always had phenomenal patience in teaching me all he knew. I miss our Monday Morning Jet Fan Meetings where John, Smitty and myself would discuss and review the latest Jet game and whether or not we approved of their play!! We would talk all day about every sport matter in the world without ever picking our noses up out of our work, or the Daily News for that matter…
My most sincere prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Not a day goes by where I don’t think of all you did for me and my career at Cantor. God Bless.
John was my son-in-law. I couldn’t love him more if I had given birth to him. I miss him terribly. He was a man who loved his wife (my daughter) Diane and his two sons Terrence and CJ. He was a man of simple tastes. Being at home with his family and assorted relatives at parties was what made him happy. John and my other son-in-law, Rob, had birthdays a day apart in July and we always had a B-B-Q for them. I will miss those happy times. I will miss John forever. John, I will always love you.
Lurch, you were a good friend for a long time. There will be an empty space at Monmouth race track and in our hearts. Miss you buddy
When John and I exchanged our wedding vows, on October 13, 1991, the Priest explained about love. He stated that love was patient, kind, not boastful and did not delight in the misfortunes of others, but in truth. At that moment I was fully aware that John was the best thing to ever happen to me, he epitomized all things that were good and just and right. John understood the joys that life brings cannot be purchased, but instead were realized by playing games with his ‘buddies’ Terrence and CJ. He was a wonderful, patient husband and a terrific, involved father. I could not have asked for anything more in a spouse, he brought out the best in me. I’m comforted by the knowledge that his last thoughts were of us, your family. I will try to raise our sons to be strong, proud men …just like their Dad.
John, there is not a minute that passes where I don’t feel your presence. I miss you and I will love you forever. And I pray you’re watching over us.
Diane, wife
John was my cousin.
I must say he was truely unique. John must have coined the phrase (when God created you, he broke the mold.)
His life was his wife (Diane) and his two boys.
I would have to say his best accompishments.
I know John is with my brother (Paul Nimbley) and many other friends & family. I’m sure they are watching over us and keeping us safe.
John, may the HORSE by with in heaven.
Your loving cousin,
Margie
It was a pleasure to have worked with John. He was a helpful and considerate man. I’m happy to have known him. God bless his family.
John,
Each of us misses you incredibly. We’ll never get over the impossible way you ended your life, but more importantly we’ll never stop celebrating the way you lived. Your little chuckles, your gestures, your quiet resolve, and the unbounding love you had for Diane, Terrence and CJ fill our hearts over and over again. You’re right there with us every time we gather, and our love and longing for you will never end.
I knew John as the “other” Monahan and boy they (John and Frankie) might have had the same last name but were they were as different as night and day. Frankie was my friend and I often would come by to say hello and John would be sitting there. John was so quiet and unassuming as opposed to Frankie who was loud and rambunctious. The last time I saw John was on Monday afternoon. I had come by with a friend to say hi to the people in Ops and John was telling my friend Carol about one of his kids and how big they were getting and starting school. John was so enthusiastic about this. Such a proud dad.
My heartfelt prayers go out to the Monahans.
May you know that John may be gone, but he is not forgotten.
John,
I know you as many things, a “brother-in-law”, occasional golf partner, fellow Jets fan, friend to laugh with at parties, and now I also know you as one of my Heros. A hero is someone who is greatly admired and also one who posesses true courage. These words aptly described you during your life and then were personified as a result of the tragic circumstances surrounding 9/11.
You had an unassuming sense of humor which I enjoyed a lot(“you could have gotten some cream cheese Sol”, a joke you told just two days before we lost you). Your care and concern for your family is something I truly admire. Even during the most challenging time of your life your thoughts were of your wife and two boys.
Christine and I were very fortunate to have spent the weekend with you before 9/11. We watched football & had some laughs. Ironically we talked about 1993 and your soot covered shirt which you kept.
I miss you very much and I will always remember you. Your presence is felt anytime I am with Diane, Terrence, CJ and your brothers and sisters. I will do my best to care for your family and do what I can to ease their pain.
For some time I had vivid images of that fateful day running through my mind constantly. My thoughts were mostly of you.
However there is one thing in this world that we can control and that is what we choose to think about. Now I choose to think of only good memories of you.
You are the best,
Rob
I am fortunate I got to know John during the time that he and Diane came to work with our son. John would come every week & would always bring a present to get Dave’s attention. Once he brought a deck of cards, & showed him how he could count them to try to get him to talk. Dave still plays with cards, and it puts a smile on my face when I think of how John never gave up trying to reach him.
My heartfelt prayers go to the Monahan family. I pray there comes a day when the joy of John’s memory supercedes the sorrow of his loss. May you find comfort remembering his love, his humor, his joy, and all the good he left behind, as a bit of that good remains within all of us who knew him.
“Go with the angels Uncle John…” – you were taken too soon, but you will never be forgotten. “…go with the angels.”
John (Lurch) and I met in St.Pauls grammar school. John, being a few years older than me, was one of the big kids. Me, Nims, Clam, Joe, Al and the boys were the little kids or little rats or numerous other names. We always played sports together or against each other be it basketball, football, boxball, stickball or handball down in the hole. (Moonsies if you lost). John was known for starting card games anytime, anywhere. Be it in the courtyard, little courtyard, stairwells of St. Pauls, in the hole or later on at his apartment in Bayonne. We would rent houses in Belmar during the summer, hanging out at Gallaghers, Reggies or Marys Husbands (Great memories). Going to see the Stones in Philly-John could do a great Jagger second only to Killy. Trips to Monmouth, Meadows, the bigA or OTB in Staten Island. John has a beautiful family Diane and the boys your brothers and sisters. I know they miss you terribly as do I. May God keep them safe. YOU WERE A GOOD MAN JOHN MONAHAN! I miss you. Your friend, Mark Lee
It’s been 10 months and I still can’t believe it. I would usually see John every few months or so, and many times that was by the PATH in the Trade Center. He would always give me a big hello and we would catch-up a bit on what’s new. It was so nice to hear that good things were happening for him. He really appreciated the important things in life – family and friends. It pains me as I type this, as I think of how many people are affected and are being shortchanged by his loss. I remember now, that when we were hanging out at St Paul’s schoolyard (25-30 years ago -wow!), I thought he was cool. He was not big and he was not loud, and I like the way he carried himself. That would continue later on in life, as he was a true gentleman (he was always my favorite Monahan to play cards with – sorry Ray!) I will always remember John as I saw him in life — a cool kid who grew up to be a stand-up guy! God Bless You John!
ZIGS
John was a truly amazing man, a dedicated worker and an even more dedicated husband and father. I will forever remember him filling me in on whatever was going on in the childrens lives, and how proud he was of Terence when he started school. John always made sure to bring me in whatever new pictures he had of the boys. He was so happy to have CJ, another little boy to love with Terence. I will always remember how happy he was when Diane would come up to visit with the boys, he was so glad to show off his beautiful family.
Diane, my heartfelt prayers go out to you and the boys, may God bless you always.
Love,
Carol
7-31-02
Happy Birthday! John
John, you are truly missed. I will always remember your smile and your kindness to all. John, you always put others before yourself. You are truly a special person.
John always found time for someone. I can remember riding with you on the Blvd. bus and it would be 7:30 a.m. or it would be 7:30 p.m sitting in your backyard, and you would always have time to talk and listen.
We were at Monmouth Park having another great time and you pulled me over and gave me the winning horse (you told me don’t tell Ray) and we won.
As your father said many times to me that GOOD MEN ARE HARD TO FIND (Monahan men fall into that category) and as the oldest, you are at head that list.
We all think of you all the time and remember the good things about you. You are always with us.
9/11/02
John,
It hardly seems possible that 12 months have passed since September 11, 2001. I can vividly remember hearing about the attacks while at work. My first thoughts were of you and your family.
You were a truly special person who is missed by many. Your love for Diane and your boys was so strong. I know you are watching over them and giving them the strength to go on.
You are forever in my thoughts and your spirit lives on in all of us. God Bless you!
I just wanted to let this other Monahan family know that I have read about John and his tributes and was so moved. My cousin Frankie and him worked together at Cantor and hopefully like Diane said were “together at the end.” I feel your pain and cry for our Frank everyday. He called me all the time and yet on that horrible day we never heard from him. We hoped against hope but the unthinkable did happen. Diane, your words about our Frank in his tributes described him to a tee!!! You captured him and we appreciate it. I wish I had the pleasure of knowing your husband but we always heard the stories about the “quiet” Monahan and how they enjoyed each other. May we just try to remind ourselves of the all the good times and laughs we all had and know they are both together up there wanting us to all go on!
The Broken Chain
We little knew that morning
That God was going to call your name
In life we loved you dearly
In death we do the same
It broke our hearts to lose you
You did not go alone
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home
You left us peaceful memories
Your love is still our guide
And though we cannot see you
You are always at our side
Our family chain is broken
And nothing seems the same
But as God calls us one by one
The Chain will link again
Rest in peace….
I love you and I miss you.
Love
CJM
age 5
More than one thousand days have passed since you were taken from us. Our sons are now 6 and 8, they speak of you often (especially CJ). I find it difficult to believe that we have managed to go on without you, but it is so hard and it takes such an effort not to be sad on on a daily basis. I love you and I miss you and I would give anything if we could have you back for only one day. I try to be strong for Terrence and CJ thinking that would be what you want, but I need you to be strong for me.
I will always love you.
Diane
Your
Dear John,
It’s 9/9/04 – I write today because it was 3 yrs ago tonight that we last spoke. First we covered football (of course) and then we talked about getting a house in LBI the next summer for a family vacation. The last thing you said was “We’ll be there and we’ll have a great time”. Now 3 yrs later I still have a hard time with you not being here. While the tears are not as abundant the sadness of missing you remains tremendous. It is in those moments that I think back to the summer of ’01. How blessed we were as a family to have spent so much time together – happy times!! The memory I hold closest to my heart is our ride back from Corey’s wedding – just the two of us – talking about everything and having a few good laughs. When I’m sad I go back to that ride down the highway in New Mexico and see you sitting across from me – 47 yrs young, smiling and laughing – that is a vision I keep with me daily. I pray you are resting in peace and that you watch over us. We miss you so much and until we meet again you will remain the center of our circle.
Love,
Mary
As spring arrives and baseball season starts, I miss you all the more. I remember what a wonderful summer we had in 2001. The boys were 5 and 3, we were finally able to leave them with a sitter and go out and spend some quality adult time together. I remember you in the pool with the boys and the Rolling Stones playing in the background. I remember how we were planning our tenth anniversary trip to Florida. I remember our trips to Monmouth Park with our friends and family. I remember our day trips tp Point Pleasant. And while I remember all these wonderful things, I long to make new new memories with you and I’m absolutely heart-broken that I will never see your smiling face or feel your tender touch.
I love you still and I miss you as if were 9/12/01.
Diane
heyy Uncle John,
HEyy its me, Michele. Well i just wanted to say that I miss you alot! I wish you were here to make me laugh like you used to. Well i just wanted to say that your kids are turning out GREAT! Diane is looking great better then ever. Well I don’t want you to worry the three of them are fine. All the Monahans are doing great. Everyone down here misses you and my dad more then anything. Hope your doing great up there. Can’t wait to meat you guys up there in like 70 years. Well see you in like 70 years! ha
love your cousin, Michele
I’m just stopping by to say –
HAPPY THANKSGIVING !
Love Always, Michele
Hey Cuz,
Merry Christmas!! We’re all still missing you guys and love you very much.
Love, Cousin Margie
Now that the boys ae 13 and almost 11. We miss you even more.
Love Diane
John, 9 years Miss you and I always Keep your family in My prayers. God Bless! Mark V Lee
We would have been celebrating our 20th anniversary on October 13. Unfortuanately, we didn’t even get to celebrate out tenth. I still love you. And I miss you every day.
John, (Lurch) 12 Years We all miss you . Your family is always in my prayers. God Bless You. Mark V Lee