Obituary of John V. Monaghan

John Victor Monaghan, age 74, of Bethel Twp., Garnet Valley, PA, and formerly of Brookhaven, PA, peacefully drew his last breath on Sunday, July 12, 2015. Mr. Monaghan was a kind and gentle man. He was an especially gifted educator who earned a Bachelor of Science in English and Social Studies from West Chester University, and a Master of Science and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies (C.A.G.S.) from Temple University. In his thirty-six year career at Penn Delco School District, John taught English and Social Studies, was a Reading Specialist, an Assistant Principal, and Principal of Brookhaven Junior High School, Northley Middle School and Pennell Elementary School. Mr. Monaghan also enjoyed professional associations with West Chester Area School District, Immaculata College and Neumann University. Mr. Monaghan was active with the Aston Middletown Lions Club, a member of Masons Concord Lodge #625 F&AM, Phi Delta Kappa, PA Association of Elementary Principals and the National Association of Elementary and Secondary Principals and PA Association of School Retirees. He served as Deacon at Aston Presbyterian Church, taught Sunday School and was Chairman of the Christian Education Committee. He previously was on the Board of Directors of the Aston Public Library and Brookhaven Swim Club. He will be remembered by many by his association as employee and counsellor of the Young Mens Christian Association. Highlights of his experiences and many accomplishments include: leading Pennell Elementary School to Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon status two times – the first in Penn Delco School District history; led the community development and district establishment of Brookhaven Middle School and led the transition of Northley Junior High to a grades 6-8 middle school; developed one of the first outdoor education centers which included a classroom, garden and bird sanctuary. He received many awards and recognitions for his dedication and commitment to education and youth in his lifetime. John enjoyed playing and watching sports, Elvis, 50’s music and country music, jokes, trivia, gardening, reading, crossword puzzles, his home at the Jersey shore, and most of all his family. He was privileged to have many loyal, lifetime friends. John was the son of the late John V. Sr. and Ruth (Brewster) Monaghan; brother of the late Marguerite Barraclough and Martin Brewster Monaghan. SURVIVORS: Beloved wife of 53 years: Sandra York Monaghan Children: Kelly Monaghan McLarnon, John Michael (Lori) Monaghan and Martin York (Trang Doan) Monaghan Grandchildren: Shawn, Meghan (Joseph), Molly and Mathew Brother: Garth P. Monaghan Sister-in-law: Cassie Reed Also survived by Nieces, Nephews and Cousins Funeral Service: Friday 11:00 AM at Aston Presbyterian Church, 2401 Baldwin Run Drive, Aston, PA 19014 Visitation: Thursday 6:00 – 9:00 PM at the Minshall Shropshire-Bleyler Funeral Home, Ltd., Middletown (Rte. #352) and Knowlton Roads, Middletown Township, Media, PA 19063 Interment: Private Memorial Contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to; “Penn-Delco School District”, in check memo, “John Monaghan Memorial Fund”, and mailed to 2821 Concord Road, Aston, PA 19014. Contributions will be directed to teacher and student resources in the classroom.