(914) 337-6770
info@mcgrathandson.com
20 Cedar Street, Bronxville, NY - 10708

Monaco, Richard John August 9, 1931 - November 21, 2021

Richard J. Monaco of Crestwood, passed away on November 21, 2021. Beloved husband of 62 years to Marie (nee Gregory) Monaco, Loving father of Rev. David Monaco, Richard (Andrea), Gracelyn (Stefano Guida), proud “Poppy” of Eric and Logan. Born in 1931 in the Bronx to Giuseppe and Maria Grazia (Merola) Monaco. He served his country in the US Army from 1954-1956. Served with Special Forces, Armed Forces Network in Frankfurt Germany where He drew on past amateur radio experience in producing radio shows for our troops.  After earning a Masters from NYU he started a long career in education with the City of Yonkers Public Schools as a 6th grade teacher at School 27. At age 27 appointed Principal of School 15, Crestwood, where he grew to love the area he chose to spend the rest of his life.  Principal of School 11, Walt Whitman Jr. H.S., Mark Twain Middle School and Jr. H.S., Roosevelt H.S., followed by years of serving as Director at Bd. Of Ed. in various capacities.  He was also known for his role as MC of “Quizerama” shown on local television. As an educator, Dick was the recipient of the PTA Jenkins Memorial Award, as well as the Mid-Hudson School Council Excellence in Administration Award. After early retirement he was an Adjunct Instructor at Iona College and Mercy College. He enjoyed teaching young people, and unselfishly mentored many in their careers. Dick met Marie, his wife of 62 years, at their beloved Christopher Columbus High School. Dick, a senior, was the elected President of the Student Council and Marie, the freshman representative.  They met again on a bus, nine years later and their long love affair began. “Dick” Monaco was a life member of the Knights of Columbus; an active and faithful member of his Church of the Annunciation for 56 years; served as a volunteer at the Passionist Retreat House, Riverdale, was a member of the Order Sons of Italy in America Linguanti Lodge, Suffern, having written numerous culture columns for their monthly newsletter; and was one of the founding members of the Enrico Fermi Scholarship Foundation, served as Chairman of the Scholarship Committee in 1971. He was honored as a “Treasure” by his parish for his dedication and volunteerism in 2012. Dick sang in the church choir for years, chaired both the religious education program for public school children, as well as the parent-teacher association for the church school, then known as the St. Anne’s club.  He chaired several themed dinner-dances, always with panache.  He wrote musicals and directed a group he called the Annunciation Players.  After illness forced him to “retire”, in 2019 the players renamed themselves “Dick Monaco’s Annunciation-Fatima Players” in his honor. Always the gracious host, opening both heart and home, he took pleasure in the annual Family Christmas Sing-A-Long.  For many years, nieces, nephews and their little ones looked forward to the fun…. food, games, music and, of course, Santa Claus.  Many will also remember a special day in the City, guests of Aunt Marie and Uncle Dick, with a restaurant lunch followed by a performance of “The Nutcracker” at Lincoln Center. A sign “Monaco Hotel” adorns the attic bedroom where a variety of friends and relatives lived for a variety of stays, even as long as a full school year.  They were always guests and treated as family. Dick fought Alzheimer’s Disease for eight long years.   His greatest joy was listening to music and the loving company of his faithful and devoted wife Marie. Calling Hours at the Fred H. McGrath & Son Funeral Home, Bronxville between the hours of 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm, Friday. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Annunciation Church, Crestwood on Saturday, November 27 at 11am.

Calling Hours:  2 to 4 and 7 to 9 pm, Friday, November 26, 2021

Mass:  11 am, Saturday, November 27, 2021, Annunciation Church, Crestwood

To Live Stream the Mass: Please Click Here

Condolences(14)

  1. REPLY
    Maria Mortati says

    To the Monaco family,

    “Mr. M” was such a fun soul. He made people laugh with such ease and did many wonderful things for our community. He will be missed.

    All our love,

    Maria and Mark

    • REPLY
      Richard Angelori says

      I’m just finding out about Mr. Monaco’s passing.
      Rest in Peace. Blessings to your family from above and please bestow God’s Grace amongst your family and friends here on Earth. Until we all meet again.

  2. REPLY
    Jed Sumampong says

    My prayers and condolences to the bereaved family. May Richard rest and live in peace.

  3. REPLY
    Joe Possavino, Jr says

    Prayers and condolences to the Monaco family! May he Rest In Peace. ??✝️

  4. REPLY
    Steve Goldberg says

    I had the privilege of working under Mr. Monaco when he was principal of Roosevelt HS. You’d be hard pressed to find a more compassionate and dedicated educator. He praised the good and corrected the bad, and we were all better people for having known him. May his soul rest in eternal peace

  5. REPLY
    Marlene Steger says

    My sincere condolences to the Monaco family. As a young teacher, I worked under this kind and caring and dedicated administrator, first at Walt Whitman JHS, and then when he was principal of Roosevelt High School. Even when he became Mayor of Yonkers, he kept in touch with his former faculty members and students. He will always live on in my memories . He was just such a special person and will be missed.

  6. REPLY
    Kenneth Ferrier says

    Little did we know years ago as kids, that there was a reason for everything Principal Monaco was doing. He was preparing, and molding us to be super smart, caring and strong human beings. I didn’t know it then, but we love you for it now. . . R.I.P. PRINCIPAL MONACO.

    • REPLY
      Rita feuerstein says

      Condolences to the entire Monaco family. We fondly remember him as a gentle giant with a beautiful smile. May memories of him be for a blessing for your family. Love, Rita & Stew and family

  7. REPLY
    Lynn O'Grady says

    My condolences to the Monaco family. A wonderful man is at rest. God bless you all in your loss.

  8. REPLY
    Michael Gallub says

    What an amazing great man! A one-of-a-kind. My most heartfelt condolences go out to the entire Family and all other relatives, friends and former colleagues and mentees whose lives Richard has touched in so many positive ways.

  9. REPLY
    Teresa terracciano says

    Gracelyn, I am so sorry for your loss, he was truly a wonderful man?

  10. REPLY
    Giovanni terracciano says

    So sorry to hear this sweetheart! ♥️? i wish you all the strength you need in this difficult time for you and your family ?

  11. REPLY
    Dawn Trovato says

    I was very saddened to hear of Uncle Richie’s passing…..I’ll always remember the fun memories at the Cape, when all the cousins got together, we had such a great time……I’ll always remember his sense of humor, his smile, and twinkle in his eye. My sincere condolences go out to dear Aunt Marie, David, Gracelyn, and Ricky…….my cousins Teresa, Claudia, and Carl, who I know he was a much loved Uncle……

  12. REPLY
    Nina says

    I only got to meet Mr. Monaco once, after participating in an Annunciation-Fatima Players production. I wish I had had the opportunity to know him as others did. My condolences to his family and friends.

Leave a Condolence to Giovanni terracciano Cancel reply