Stephen Loder Monohon, 64, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2023 following an extended illness. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Pattie, child J Aprileo of Baldwin City, brother and sister-in-law Paul and Nancy Monohon of Ashfield, MA, brother and sister-in-law Ben and Shirley Monohon of Brentwood, NH and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Steve was born in Greenfield, MA and lived all of his childhood in Ashfield, MA; graduating from Mohawk Trail Regional High School in Buckland, MA. He attended college at Bridegewater State University and George Washington University. He lived most of his adult life in Franklin County, MA and worked for many years at Rugg Manufacturing in Greenfield. He and Pattie moved to Lawrence in 2021 following his retirement.
In January 2022, he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and began his treatments immediately. Throughout his difficult battle over the past 18 months, Steve always displayed an extremely optimistic outlook and was determined to never let his situation be a burden to those around him. His ability to remain upbeat and keep a positive attitude even during very difficult physical circumstances was an inspiration to all his family and friends.
Steve loved his family dearly and would proudly tell the stories of their adventures and accomplishments to anyone who wanted to hear them. He was also a lifelong sports enthusiast and loved watching and reading about sports at all levels and he was thrilled to learn about and experience the active high school and college sports scene in Lawrence after his move there.
Steve will be remembered for his gregarious nature, his quick mathematical mind, his love of animals and his wonderful sense of humor. His nieces and nephews all loved his “Uncle Steve-isms” which included the numerous pet phrases and words he used to describe the people and world around him. The fact that many of these descriptive words were made up just made it more enjoyable to everyone. Steve loved to hear about the lives and times of all the new friends he met in Lawrence in his last couple of years and was always on the lookout for new experiences and stories to hear and tell.
Steve will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and their memories and stories of him will always include smiles and laughter. A celebration of life will be held at the UU congregation on Saturday August 5th at 3pm. Please feel free to come share a story, make a friend, or grab a plate of food. Steve never met a stranger, and he would have it no other way.
You are my inspiration, I have few web logs and often run out from post :). “Actions lie louder than words.” by Carolyn Wells.
Always loved seeing Steve and Patty when they came to the credit union. I’ll miss seeing Steve’s face, asking for his usual printout, just chatting with him about how he was feeling, and talking about random New England things. He was a joy to be around and he will be missed him dearly.
Patty,
John and I send our deepest condolences and prayers during this difficult time.