Michael Francis Xavier Monaghan

Michael Francis Xavier Monaghan passed away peacefully on July 28, 2023 of complications from Progressive Supranuclear Palsy(PSP) a rare form of Parkinson’s.

Born on August 17, 1948 to John and Mary Louise Monahan he was the only son of 5 children. Michael grew up in Hyattsville Maryland and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1966.  He had a talent for working on cars and he was able to fix almost anything. Michael survived a serious injury as a child due to the rapid lifesaving actions of two C & P installers and ultimately chose to work for C & P Telephone and Bell Atlantic where he held many jobs during his 30 year from Cable Splicer to Engineer. After his first retirement he owned his own business Spring Street Associates for 6 years, worked with the City of Alexandria Fire Department as a Code Enforcement Supervisor and was an Electrical estimator before finally retiring the last time due to his illness. The greatest joy of his life was being able to be active and involved in raising his 3 wonderful sons. His warm open heart led to him filling the role of adopted brother and father figure to many of his friends and their children. In his spare time, he designed and built the family home in Alexandria with his wife Ellen.  Prior to his illness Michael was an active volunteer with many organizations including the Telephone Pioneers and several Boy Scout Troops in Maryland and Virginia. Michael volunteered as an EMT for both the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County Fire Departments.

Michael was a Vietnam Era veteran serving with Company C, 5^th Signal Battalion. Honorably discharged from the Army he spent time backpacking across Europe with his best friend John before returning to civilian life.  Always up for an adventure, Michael enjoyed, scuba diving with his oldest sister Mary Lou, Sky Diving at the University of Maryland, white water rafting, hiking, traveling, bicycling, annual trips to PA and spending time with his family and friends. His hospitality was legendary especially in Ocean City where he shared his love of the beach with everyone lucky enough to know him.  He never let his illness stop him from what he wanted to do, even if it wasn’t exactly what he was supposed to be doing. He loved telling the stories of the many experiences he’s had in his life, and would repeat those stories to his cousin Mary, Julie, Kevin and all the others when they would visit. He had many friends and people who knew him in his life and I’m sure they can all agree that Mike was a force to be reckoned with. His intelligence, sense of humor, friendliness, and kindness will be deeply missed.

He is predeceased by his parents John and Mary Louise Monahan and nephew Christopher Gregory. Michael is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Ellen and sons Christopher, Matthew and Thomas; and his four sisters, Mary Lou Monahan, Marjorie Gamel, Kathleen Chaney, and Grace Gregory.