Jeffrey A. Monachino, a former longtime resident of Pelham Manor, died tragically in a single car accident on Friday. He was 82.
Jeff was born in the Bronx to Dr. S.R. and Vera (nee Morrison) Monachino on September 20, 1941. He graduated from Pelham Memorial High School in 1959. Known affectionately as “Moose” by his many friends and classmates, Jeff played varsity football and was a varsity track standout.
Jeff received a B.A. in English from Dickinson College in 1963. He held the college’s record for the discus throw and enjoyed sitting under a tree and reading Chaucer. While rushing chairman for Dickinson’s chapter of the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, he met the delightful Annette Romayne Cowan on a blind date. The two never looked back and were married on November 27, 1965.
Following college, Jeff embarked on a successful career in sales and management, securing positions at Tuition Plan and the Control Data Corporation. In what he later referred to as one of the greatest developments in his career, Automatic Data Processing, Inc. acquired the Broadscope Division of First National City Bank while he was employed there. Jeff spent many years rising within ADP, later serving as Corporate Director of Sales Training. He worked professionally for several more years but decided to retire in order to spend more time with his family.
Throughout his life, Jeff’s greatest gift was his ability to make others feel valued. An eternal optimist with a wry sense of humor, he could be seen hoisting his thumbs and replying, “Two thumbs up,” when anyone asked how he was. He was an active member of the New York Athletic Club tennis community for decades, an avid gardener in his beautiful backyard, and an accomplished cook. More than anything, Jeff loved to entertain family and friends. He regularly welcomed them into his home for professional-level meals prepared with care from start to finish, earning him the nickname “Chef Jeff.”
Jeff will be remembered as a dedicated friend and the most supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Indeed, his family was his greatest joy.
In addition to Annette, his loving wife of 58 years, Jeff is survived by his two devoted daughters, Jennifer Monachino Lapey of Pelham Manor and Lisa DeGirolami of Leesburg, Virginia; sons-in-law John (Ian) Lapey and Marc DeGirolami; and adoring grandchildren Paul and Catherine Lapey and Thomas DeGirolami. His brother Reginald Monachino of Cave Creek, Arizona also survives, along with countless friends, whom he considered to be family.
The family will receive visitors at the Pelham Funeral Home, 64 Lincoln Avenue, Pelham, New York 10803 on Sunday, February 18 from 1:00 – 5:00 p.m. A private memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pelham Preservation and Garden Society.
Editor’s note: This obituary was provided by the Pelham Funeral Home.
