Joseph Elroy Monahan

He grew up in upstate New York, the youngest son of Hazel (Delphi) and William Monahan, served in the Navy during the Korean War, married Barbara, graduated from Northeastern University and raised his family as a resident of Framingham, Massachusetts before retiring to Sandwich.

He was predeceased by his sister Ruth Andrus and brothers William and Keith Monahan. He was the loving father of Joseph A. Monahan and his partner Julie Daniloff of Sandwich, MA, Sharon Monahan of Peterborough, NH, Brian Monahan and partner Marc Clermont of Lowell, MA and Maureen Monahan and her husband Thomas Davis of Chelmsford , MA. He was the proud grandfather of Ariella Monahan, Andrea Monahan, Morgan Roberts and Reece Roberts and the great grandfather of Kaiden Monahan-Porter.

He was one of the three key engineers instrumental in the Mariner-II space program’s successful flight to orbit the planet Venus in 1962. His visionary concepts in the electronics field led to patents and his receipt of Honeywell’s most prestigious H.W. Sweatt award. He was a pioneer in the development of guidance systems used in satellites and the Hawk, Patriot and Avenger missiles.

He enjoyed an active retirement golfing, gardening, dancing and reading.

Visitation hours will be held on Monday, May 16 at the Nickerson-Bourne Funeral Home, 154 Rt 6A, Sandwich from 4:00 to 7:00 pm with the funeral service at the funeral home on Tuesday, May 17th at 11:00 am. Burial will follow at 12:45pm at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. Joseph’s family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff members of Cape Cod Hospital and the Sandwich Fire and Rescue for their professionalism and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Joseph Monahan may be made to the Sandwich Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 1346, Sandwich, MA 02563.www.nickersonbournefuneralhome.com