Alex Monchak peacefully passed away on September 12, 2015 after living a wonderful life. He was a Bayonne, New Jersey native, first generation American and the eldest of three children, son of Ukrainian parents MaTrona Marich Monchak and George Monchak. He is preceded by his beloved wife Audrey Guidry Monchak, brother Edward Monchak and his sister Mary Monchak Danchak. Alex is survived by his children: son Alex Monchak Jr. of Texas, daughter Trona Jean Monchak-Carter of Florida, two grandchildren: granddaughter Amanda Jean Carter, grandson Quinton Sagely Carter, and a large extended family throughout the United States.
Alex and Audrey raised their family in Cinnaminson, New Jersey prior to relocating to Manatee County, Florida in 1980. They were founding and longtime members of Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church.
Alex lived a long life as he pursued his passion and childhood dream to participate in Major League Baseball. His ultimate goal was to support the growth and development of both himself and the team as they worked together to achieve a Major League Baseball World Series Championship.
His Major League Baseball career began as the shortstop with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1940. Like many players during that time, his career was quickly interrupted when he received the call to serve our country. Alex was deployed to the 11th Armored Division of the United States Army during World War II and fought under General George Patton in the Battle Of The Bulge, the largest battle ever fought at the time. Following his military service during World War II, Alex continued to pursue his childhood dream of a career in baseball. In 1949 to 1961 he managed in the minor leagues with the Odessa Oilers, Lexington Indians, Wellsville Braves, and the Cedar Rapid Braves amongst others and even took on the role of a player/manager in 1956. In 2013 Alex traveled to Cedar Rapids, Iowa where he was honored for his accomplishments and inducted into the Cedar Rapids Hall of Fame. From 1962 to 1970 Alex worked with California Angels both as a scout and in their instructional program.
Then Alex received the call to return to the Major League Baseball roster, this time as coach with renowned Manager Chuck Tanner. This coaching/management team stayed together for many years sharing their leadership with the following Major League Baseball organizations: Chicago White Sox (1971-1975), Oakland A’s (1976), Pittsburgh Pirates (1977-1985) and the Atlanta Braves (1986-1988). Alex’s childhood dream came true in 1979 when he was the first base coach, (yes on the field) with the “We Are Family” Pittsburgh Pirates who became Major League Baseball World Champions! Alex continued his Major League Baseball career as a Major League Baseball scout for several teams and was honored as a recipient of the distinguish Roland Hemond Award in 2009 at McKechnie Field in Bradenton, Florida.
Upon Alex’s passing he was the third oldest living Major League Baseball player and the oldest living Philadelphia Phillies player.
A “Celebration of Life” mass will be held for Alex at 9:30am on Saturday, October 17th 2015. The church location is Saints Peter and Paul the Apostles Catholic Church 2850 75th Street in Bradenton, Florida 34209. Alex’s Interment will take place in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
A mass will be held at Fort Myers’ Old Post Chapel followed by military honors and Alex’s interment joining Audrey in the columbium at Arlington National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Professional Baseball Scouts Foundation; 5010 N. Parkway Calabasas; Suite 201; Calabasas, CA 91302 http://pbsfonline.com/ a 501-C-3 organization.
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