Joseph Anthony Monaghan
May 27, 1951 – January 31, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joseph Anthony Monaghan announces his passing on January 31, 2025 after a long illness. Born on May 27, 1951, in Baltimore, MD, Joseph was the identical twin brother of Charles Monaghan and one of ten children born to John and Ellen Monaghan (both deceased).
Joseph spent his early childhood in a working-class neighborhood of Newport, RI, and often fondly recalled stories of he and his twin brother waving to the Kennedys as they drove by. Later his family moved to Taunton, MA, and he graduated from Coyle High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree from Bridgewater State College.
Joseph and his family settled permanently in Norton, MA where he lived as a valued community member for the remainder of his healthy life.
Joseph spent the majority of his professional career at Paratronix, Inc. of Attleboro, MA, where he retired as the Chief Operating Officer after nearly 30 years with the company. The proudest moments of his career were completing critical work on both the Hubble and James Webb space telescopes.
Joseph’s personal life was marked by service to family and neighbors. He had a reputation as someone always willing to lend a hand—whether repairing the boiler at St. Mary’s Church or helping plan the electronics for the yearly Norton holiday lights.
In his free time, Joseph enjoyed spending time with family, sailing his small sailboat on the Norton Reservoir and tinkering on his Wheel Horse tractors.
A devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother, Joseph leaves behind his loving wife of 49 years, Sharon Monaghan of Norton, MA; his two sons, Scott Monaghan of Chicago, IL, and Drew Monaghan of West Warwick, RI; and daughters-in-law, Emily Andersson, and Amber Monaghan. He was a proud grandfather to his three granddaughters: Addison, Elsa, and Eisley, as well as beloved uncle and grand-uncle to countless nieces and nephews.
Joseph is also survived by his siblings, Louis D. Monaghan Sr. of Vernon, CT, Charles Monaghan of North Conway, NH, Ellen Holcomb of San Diego, CA, Cathleen Cooney of Greenbelt, MD, Margarette Froli of Goleta, CA, Mary Monaghan of Goleta, CA, and Monica Scafide of Buellton, CA. He was predeceased by his brothers, John Monaghan Jr. and Timothy Monaghan.
A celebration of Joe’s life for family and friends will be held at 11am on Friday, March 7th at the Congregational Church of Canton, 1541 Washington St, Canton, MA.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (https://www.lbda.org/).
To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.shermanjackson.com