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W. Patrick Monaghan
2020-09-24
With deep sorrow we announce that W. Patrick Monaghan, Ph.D., 76, of Yulee, Florida died on Thursday, September 24, 2020.
He was raised in Ashtabula, Ohio, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy and trained as a medical corpsman when he was 17 years old. He was stationed at various Naval Hospitals, Dispensaries and naval amphibious units including the USS Terrebonne Parish (LST 1156) and the Inshore Undersea Warfare Unit, Team 21, Little Creek Naval Amphibious Base, Virginia. He served with the Marine Corps as a Fleet Marine Corpsman for 4 years. He received a commission as an officer in 1969 in the Medical Service Corps as a biomedical scientist.
For 15 continuous months he served in S. Vietnam, attached to the III Marine Amphibious Force, 1st Marine Division and the USS Sanctuary (AH 17) as a blood bank and clinical laboratory officer providing vital blood transfusion products and laboratory tests in support of combat casualties. He was later stationed at the Naval Hospital in Charleston, SC, the Naval ROTC Unit at University of Toledo, Toledo, OH and earned both a Master�s degree in Immunology and a Doctorate degree in Hematology from Bowling Green State University.
He then was then assigned to the National Naval Medical Center (NNMC) in Bethesda, Maryland. For 10 years he was the Director of the Blood Bank and Transfusion Service at NNMC and was active in teaching physicians, nurses, biomedical and laboratory scientists. He also developed a viable clinical research program which benefited many. Later he became more engrossed in health education and was assigned to the Uniformed Services University, School of Medicine as the Assistant Dean for Graduate and Continuing Education. After retiring from active duty, he returned to the Uniformed Services University and assisted in the establishment and development of the Graduate School of Nursing where he taught Pathophysiology. He relocated to Florida and continued to teach as a Professor and do clinical research in graduate anesthesia programs at Florida International University and the University of North Florida. He was offered a position as Professor and Director of Research at the University of Florida, College of Medicine, Anesthesiology Department where he continued to teach for an additional 9 years before retiring.
Dr. Monaghan was inducted into the Distinguished Alumni of both Old Dominion University and Bowling Green State University. He was awarded several military awards for service, combat and campaign involvements, including the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with bronze star, Department of Defense Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Medal for heroic achievement and many others. In 2008, twenty years after his military retirement, he was only the third recipient of the Department of Defense, Lifetime Achievement Award for sustained exceptional contributions over a comprehensive period to the Armed Services Blood Program.
His research resulted in the publication of over 100 scientific reports and several hundred regional and national presentations. His hobbies included boating, pleasure reading (4-6 novels per week) and solving crossword puzzles. In retirement he devoted considerable time to veterans� service groups. He was the chairman of the Veterans Council for Nassau County for 4 years. He was a mentor in the Veterans Treatment Court and an active member of the Vietnam Veterans of America, VFW, DAV, American Legion, AMVETS, and Military Officers Association of America. In 2010 he was recognized by his hometown and was inducted into the Hall of Fame from Harbor High School in Ashtabula, Ohio, for professional and personal accomplishments.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and June, two brothers, Daniel and Charles, and a sister Frances. He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Gustafson, and children Mr. Ian (Marla Dedmon) Monaghan and Dr. Erin �Mimi� Monaghan, granddaughter Bronwyn Ella Monaghan-Keys, grandson Liam Patrick Monaghan and another grandson on the way.
Dr. Monaghan will be inurned at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to Vietnam Veterans of America or the veterans� group of your choice that provides essential support to those who have served.
Memories
DAVID BADER September 26, 2020
Heartfelt condolences and prayers to all family members from the USS Terrebonne Parish (LST 1156) Association on the passing of our shipmate and friend �Doc� Monaghan. He will be deeply missed by all. Fair winds and following seas. We have the watch.
MICHAEL DRAMAN September 26, 2020
heartfelt condolences to Doc�s wife and family on their loss�he was so proud of his family�.and to all of us who knew him as well as we have lost an incredible friend�smart�caring�always giving and above all forever humble�he may be physically gone but he will never be forgotten�Rest in Peace�forever and always
DENNIS MCCARTHY, LCPL, USMC September 26, 2020
Quite a distinguished career in Military and medical field he did a lot with his life and I can be proud to say I served on the same ship LST 1156 Terrebonne Parish at different times I was on in 1962. Fair Winds and following Seas, Semper Fi, Dr. Monaghan.
Dennis McCarthy, LCPL, USMC
JULIE & BOBBIE September 26, 2020
Very distinguished gentleman & a scholar! A true pleasure to spend time with. Patrick was so interesting to converse with and always so easy to hang out with. We are fortunate to have gotten to know him. His life is distinguished by his love of his family, his country and academic success. Heaven just for a little brighter.
JULIE September 26, 2020
Typo � Heaven just got a little brighter.
NELSON GOLDMAN MD September 27, 2020
A man among men. Rest in peace.
LTCOL RP ADELHELM USMC RET September 27, 2020
Proud to have know him, exceptional Naval Officer. RIP Doc, thanks for looking after the Marines�Semper Fi
RICHARD AMADOR September 27, 2020
My deepest sympathy to Mary and Family. Patrick will always be remembered, he will live in your hearts.
LTCOL RP ADELHELM USMC RET September 27, 2020
Condolences and prayers to the family. I was honored to have know him, exceptional Naval Officer. RIP Doc, thanks for looking after the Marines�Semper Fi
ANTHONY G D�ALEO September 27, 2020
I was in shock on the 25th when a friend told me Doc passed away. Doc was a good friend of mid and he support all Veterans and especially those that served in-county in Vietnam. I new he was fighting the affects of Agent Orange those of us that served in country are all fight the same Agent Orange. VVA Chapter 1046 of Duval will miss our brother, friend a loyalty to Vietnam Veteran. God Bless Semper Fi.
STEVEN SPICKELMIER MSGT USAF RET, September 27, 2020
My thoughts and Prayers are with Mary and Family. Doc was a good friend and a person who achieved many things. Doc was an original member of the CCVCP County Veterans Council Presidents of Baker, Clay, Duval, St.Johns and Doc represented Nassau County. I will never forget our conversations on Family and the Military. RIP Doc,
MARILYN AND RIEF September 27, 2020
You are all in our thoughts. We are remembering Patrick as such a devoted father and honorable man. He will be sorely missed.
JAN M BULT September 28, 2020
Our heartfelt condolences to Mary and the entire family with the loss of a very special man. Rose and I were very fortunate to meet Patrick and have seen him and Mary on many occasions. Hos laugh and passionate engagement in conversations id something that stays with us. He was very courageous to enter the fight with the disease that ultimately was stronger. His fight showed us how he loved to be with his family. The family must know that even death does not have scissors that can cut the strings of love. May he rest in peace.
Rose and Jan Bult
CARA CURTIN September 29, 2020
I met Doc through the auspices of the Veterans Council of Nassau County. His chairman ship led us through our early days and helped us grow into a successful unit that offers direct air to Nassau County�s veterans. The council has missed his guidance and cheerful leadership, and will continue to do so.
On a more personal note, Doc was truly an impressive man, another Navy success story. He was a joy to be around. He loved his country, his life in Fernandina, and most of all, his family. I will miss him. May you always have fair winds and following seas.
KIM AND JERRY HOGAN September 30, 2020
May the Lord bless and comfort you all during this time of grief. Please accept our sincere condolences. At this difficult moment in life, we pray that God will grant you the serenity and peace that you need to get through. May he rest in peace.
COUSINS.. JACK B. MOORE AND JOHN F. MOORE September 30, 2020
May the Lord bless him and keep him in all of his days ahead! We will always cherish our special gatherings and our many �Cousin Classics� events over the years! �Rest in Peace�, Cuz! We will always love you..
To Pat�s loving family., Mary, Ian, Mimi and the grandchildren, may God bless you and keep you during these heart felt, difficult days of grief.
LOUIS M. KATZ MD October 1, 2020
Mary,
So sorry to hear of this. I am thinking about you and hope the coming days find some peace for you and your family.