Alfred L. “Mike” Monroe born November 25, 1931 in Alexandria, VA to Edward and Bertha Monroe, passed away on September 9, 2024. Mike was one of 10 Monroe children, all born and raised in Alexandria, VA. Mike married Betty C. Monroe (deceased) his childhood sweetheart on May 25, 1950. They built their family with 5 children of their own, Michael (Dawn), Beth (Sandy), Mark (Brenda), Bill (Kathy) and Al Jr. (Kim) and 15 grandchildren, Tiffany, Michael, John, Beau, Alexandra, Jason, Erin, Bridgette, Benjamin, Lindsay, Lauren, Mitchell, Julia, Hanna and Aleigh. They had 10 great grandchildren, Ethan, Ava, Waylon, Logan, Hayes, Paxton, Leighton, Madeline, Margaret and Walker. He was a brother to, Edna, Marie, Dots, Shirley, Edward, Willy, Louis, Clarence and George. He was uncle Mike to many nieces and nephews which he enjoyed. When Mike began building his family with Betty he was working as a milkman for an Alexandria dairy, occasionally hustling pool games around town to make ends meet. He recognized the need to choose another path for his life and his family. In the 1950’s Mike and his brothers worked alongside one-another as union painters joining the Brotherhood of Painters Decorators and Paperhangers of America. They were joined by many nephews and cousins working successfully in the various disciplines in the union construction crafts. He began his professional and political career in 1960 becoming an elected union official with the Alexandria affiliate, Painters Local Union 890. In the 1960’s he was identified for his leadership and received an appointment with the International Union as a General Representative serving the Mid-Atlantic traveling throughout New Jersey to South Carolina. In 1974 he ran for office and was elected General Vice President for the Mid-Atlantic second district of the International Union. In 1984 he ran for office and was elected to the position of General Secretary-Treasurer of the International Union. And in 1992 he was selected by his General Executive Board to become the General President of the re-branded, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades. In 1994 he was elected by the International Convention delegates to serve a 5-year term as International General President. He retired from the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades being granted the position as General President Emeritus Mike and Betty enjoyed spending time with family. Their shared hobby was the “Sport of Kings” owning and betting on thoroughbred race horses around VA, MD and Florida. For Mike and Betty personally, there was nothing better than a day together at Gulfstream Racetrack in Hollywood Florida. Mike Monroe, father, brother, uncle, pop-pop and friend. He lived and shared one great life for 92 years. Monday September 16 Demaine Funeral Home, Washington Street Alexandria 10:30am visitation and viewing, 11:00am funeral service, 11:30am cemetery service
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