Leo E. Monahan

Leo E. Monahan of Abington, formerly of Quincy, originally from Dorchester died Sunday, June 27, 2010, after a three month battle with Multiple Myeloma, he was 73. He was the beloved husband of Peggy Joyce Monahan; loving father of Eileen Cummins and her husband Tony of Abington, Kevin Monahan and his wife Karen of Weymouth, and Maureen Sousa and her husband Mark of Weymouth. He was the devoted “Papa” to Kate, Lauren, Hannah, Conor, Leo, Dennis, Bridget, Molly and Kerry. Loving brother to Richard Monahan and Judith Hall both of Quincy. Also survived by many nieces and nephews, cousins and extended family members. Leo was born and raised in Dorchester, to Walter and Kate Monahan. In 1957, Leo followed his grandfather and father, along with his brother Richard to Local 103, IBEW. The union was Leo’s passion. He spent his career fighting for worker’s rights, and believed in the solidarity of the brotherhood. He proudly served as president of the local, as well as taking on other positions in the local. He was a proud and lifelong member of the Democrat party. Not afraid to be labeled a liberal, he firmly believed in doing his part to help any person in need, and not discriminating or excluding any groups. He could argue an issue tooth and nail, and then afterward shake hands and share a beer. Never known to hold a grudge, he always believed and encouraged others to speak their point of view. Leo retired in 1997 and began researching and writing a history of Local 103, which was made available on the union’s website. He was extremely proud of this accomplishment and was working on a history of the Monahan – Joyce families. After retirement, he was a proud member of the Local 103 retirees club, served as president and press secretary. He went on annual golf trips with the group, as well as regular outings to Foxwoods. He was always trying to persuade former members to attend a luncheon, he believed that getting together with his union brothers was a great way to reminisce about former days on the job. Leo also became active in the Massachusetts Senior Action Council, and was committed to preserving the rights of vulnerable seniors. Family was his focus after retiring from the union in 1997. He loved his grandchildren dearly. He attended their basketball, lacrosse, soccer, and baseball games, swim meets, talent shows, and golf tournaments. He passed his love of golf on to his grandchildren. A loving and youthful Papa, he would swim in the pool, take the kids golfing, go sledding, ice skating and to the beach. The kids were treated to mystery rides, where they might end up at the Basketball Hall of Fame, or out to Castle Island; along the way, they would endure one of Papa’s “long cuts.“ They were so very fortunate to see their grandfather almost every day, and were able to be with him through his illness. A noted raconteur, Leo enjoyed telling stories. He would light up a room with his presence. Everyone who knew Leo, simply loved him. He was a true gentleman. No matter where in the world he went, whether Main Street in Disney World, or a tiny pub, in a tiny village in West Cork, he would always meet someone he knew. He loved music. He learned how to play the accordion in his forties, he always had a harmonica either in his shirt pocket or in the glove box of his car, and he took tin whistle lessons with Eileen at the Irish Cultural Center in 2006. He loved life, he enjoyed family and friends, trips to Ireland and Bermuda, having a pint at the Eire, tending to his garden, and watching ball games with his grandchildren. Leo finally enjoyed seeing the Red Sox win the World Series, the Patriots win three championships, and the Celtics win in 2008, surrounded by his family. The family would like to thank Dr. John Diorio, Dr. Jim Everett, the staff at Commonwealth Hematology and Oncology, the South Shore visiting nurses for their kindness and care. Jay Bates, who was Leo’s Oncology visiting nurse for three short months, became his dear friend as well as Peggy and Eileen‘s. Thank you all. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the visiting hours Tuesday, June 29, 2010 4:00 – 8:00 pm in the Keohane Funeral Home, 785 Hancock St. Quincy. A Celebration of Life Service will be held in the funeral home at 10:15 am on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 prior to the Funeral Mass in St. Ann Church, Quincy at 11:00 am. Burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, Quincy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leo’s name to The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, 383 Main Ave, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.