The Honorable John R Monaghan

The Honorable John R. “Jack” Monaghan, 81, passed away Sunday, April 25, 2021 of Lewy body dementia with Parkinson’s in his home surrounded by family. He was born in Detroit on November 17, 1939, the eldest of five children to William and Estelle Monaghan. John was a 1958 graduate of Austin High School. He then attended the University of Detroit where he earned his bachelor degree in 1962 and his law degree in 1966. John married JoAnn Curtin on August 2, 1969 in Detroit. Shortly thereafter, he was recruited by John Cummings to move to the Port Huron area to practice law. John was a partner in the Cummings, Monaghan, Thomas & McColl firm and later in the Flanigan, Monaghan and Traver law firm. John was a member of the Newman Center Catholic church and was involved in many civic and community organizations including Goodwill Industries, Bluewater Developmental Housing, Center for Independent Living, Burtchville Township Little League, Port Huron Minor Hockey Association, Lions Club, St. Clair County Economic Development Commission and the Community Foundation. John was also elected to the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners. John was elected judge of the St. Clair County Probate Court in 1988 where he served until his retirement in 2006. He was passionate in protecting vulnerable adults with mental incapacities and renowned for his expertise in trust and decedent estate laws. He was active in the St. Clair County Bar Association, Michigan Probate Judges Association and several state and national commissions involving probate issues. John is survived by his wife of over 51 years, JoAnn Monaghan; his three sons, Michael (Amy) Monaghan, John (Jennifer) Monaghan and Daniel (Andrea) Monaghan; his seven grandchildren, Jack Monaghan, Matt Monaghan, Maggie Monaghan, Tim Monaghan, Owen Monaghan, Annabelle Monaghan and Cole Monaghan; his three brothers, Edward (Kathy) Monaghan, William (Peggy) Monaghan and Gary (Barb) Monaghan; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy (Charles Bush). Visitation for John will be at the Karrer-Simpson Funeral Home, 1720 Elk Street, Port Huron on Thursday, April 29th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Stephen Catholic Church on Friday, April 30th at 11:00 a.m. The Reverend Bradley Forintos will officiate. The burial will follow at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery in Emmett, Michigan. John’s brothers and sons will serve as pallbearers. Members of the local judiciary and St. Clair County Bar Association will be honorary pallbearers. The family prefers memorial gifts be made in John’s memory to the Community Foundation of St. Clair County, www.StClairFoundation.org . John’s family will use those funds to support Rev. Simeon’s Community Service Fund. To send condolences, visit karrersimpson.com