On July 12, 2017, after a courageous battle with cancer, Joseph Schmid Monaghan, Jr. passed away peacefully at the age of 77, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Jane Schaff Monaghan; daughter, Colleen Jane Monaghan and fiancé, Thomas Lavelle; daughter, Erin Monaghan McQuaig and son-in-law, Scott W. McQuaig; and, son, Joseph Schmid Monaghan III and daughter-in-law, Melissa O’Neill Monaghan. Joe is also survived by his grandaughters Ashley O'Neill Monaghan, Madison Scott McQuaig, and Kelly O'Neill Monaghan; and, his sister, Chali Ellen Monaghan and niece, Chali Varuso Valery. He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Schmid Monaghan, Sr. and mother, Vera Ellen Glynn Monaghan. A lifelong resident of New Orleans and Metairie, after a career travelling the world Joe retired from Central Gulf ShipLines/International Shipholding Corporation as Vice-President of the Marine Division. Joe will forever be lovingly remembered and kindly missed for his love of family and Freemasonry, and his dedication to both.
Joe was raised as a Master Mason on April 28, 1966 in Square and Compass Lodge #417, later serving as Worshipful Master of that Lodge in 1975. He was also a longstanding member of Louisiana Lodge #102, serving as Worshipful Master in 2008, and was a pleural member of several other masonic lodges. He joined the ranks of the Scottish Rite Valley of New Orleans on November 5, 1966 and received the Rank and Decoration of Knight Commander of the Court of Honor. Joe was coronated an Inspector General Honorary (33°) on November 11, 1995, later serving the Valley of New Orleans as Venerable Master, and as General Secretary from 1998 to 2002. In 2001, he served as Grand Senior Deacon of the Grand Lodge of Louisiana. On May 11, 1974 Joe was created a member of the Jerusalem Shrine Temple. Since 1973, he was a member of the St. Johns Chapter #48 Royal Arch Masons, the St. Johns Council #41 Cryptic Masons, and the Indivisible Friends Commandery #1 Knights Templar. In addition, Joe was Past Director and Past Treasurer of New Orleans Mardi Gras Court 36. Joe not only taught but exemplified the lesson of charity to those in need, and other Masonic values, and will be truly missed by all of us to whom he was a brother, teacher and mentor.
Joe will be remembered for his love of family, Freemasonry, firearms, deer hunting, and history. Gone from this earth but most assuredly not forgotten, Joe will remain in our thoughts and prayers, and most especially will always be lovingly remembered in countless "Joe Monaghan" stories to be told by us all in times to come.
The family would like to thank the staff of Canon Hospice for their kindness, service and comfort during these difficult times.
Services will be held at St. Martins Episcopal Church, 2216 Metairie Road, Metairie, Louisiana on Saturday, July 22, 2017. Visitation begins 10:00 a.m. Services begin 11:00 a.m. Reception for family and friends to follow at Andrea’s Restaurant, 3100 19th Street, Metairie, LA 70002. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Shriners Hospital for Children Shreveport, 3100 Samford Ave., Shreveport, Louisiana 71103. Phone (318) 222-5704. Arrangements by Tharp-Sontheimer-Tharp, 1600 N. Causeway Blvd. Information 504-835-2341. Condolences may be expressed online at www.tharpsontheimerfh.com.