John (Sean) Joseph Monaghan Jr. 77, of Lawrence passed away peacefully on November 18, 2025. Service and reception will be held at 10:30 am November 29th at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Lawrence, KS.
Sean was born on January 12, 1948 in Buffalo, New York, the son of John Joseph Monaghan and Virginia (Harrington) Monaghan.
After graduating from Canisius High School in 1965, Sean attended the University of Buffalo and Canisius College, earning a Bachelor degree in communications. He went on to obtain a Masters Degree in Linguistics from SUNY of Buffalo. While at Canisius HS, his rowing team won a national championship which was a highlight of his life.
Sean spent many years as Director Stores Human Resources Northeastern US and International for Payless Shoe Source. He managed human resource functions for operations in 10 countries. He enjoyed working with and meeting people in foreign countries and learning French and Spanish.
Sean and Janine met on St. Patrick’s Day in an Italian pizzeria. He was dressed head to toe in green and telling her his newest jokes. They were married on Nov. 17, 1972.
Sean is survived by his wife Janine, their 2 sons John (Erin) and Michael, and five grandchildren, Freya, Eleanor, Cecilia, Elsa, and AJ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Kevin Monaghan, sisters Carol Fagnan and Virginia Hermes.
Other survivors include his brothers Tim (Sally) and Paul (Claudia), sisters Teresa (Jim) Minton and Mary Lou (Martin) Monaghan, and many nieces and nephews.
Sean had a lifelong love for music and was a wonderful singer. A trip to Ireland had him singing “Danny Boy” in an Irish pub, where he received a standing ovation.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DCCCA of Lawrence, KS or The American Heart Association – sent in care of Rumsey Yost Funeral Home: P.O. Box 1260, Lawrence, KS 66044.
His service as a board member has left a lasting legacy at DCCCA. He willingly shared his extensive experience, deliberate insight and fantastic sense of humor with us. We are so grateful he chose DCCCA for his volunteer work. His passion for our work was inspiring. He will be profoundly missed.
Dear Janine,
We are so saddened by Sean’s tragic passing. He had such a nice smile, laugh and enthusiastic sense of humor. We will always remember our wonderful Alaskan cruise together. We extend our sincere condolences to you and your family.
Love, Jane, Michael and Sandy Wienckowski
Janine, I am sure that you do not remember me, but I worked with John as another Field HR Director at PSS. He helped me acclimate to PSS
After I retired from a long career at Westinghouse.. So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a friend and very kind Man. May your many wonderful memories comfort you during this difficult time .
Bron Lewis
Man. May your many wonderful memories comfort you at this difficult time.
Bron Lewis
Man. He will be missed by his many friends and coworkers. May wonderful memories comfort you
through this difficult time.
Respectfully, Bron Lewis
Janine I was so sorry to hear of John’s sudden loss. I have fond memories of working together for many years and our frequent visits since when we saw one another at the grocery store and around town. He was a good and kind man. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I’m sorry that I will miss John’s memorial service as we will be away for the Thanksgiving holiday.
Dear Janine, Please accept our deepest sympathy on Sean’s passing. He was a kind, generous person. We will be keeping you and your family in our prayers. Judy and Gene