Matthew James Monaghan

Matt’s free spirit is roaming close to Nature now, totally free, and we know he’s at peace in his element. We all remember how he had a special way with critters, from squirrels, snails and snakes, to his dog riding in the back of his pick-up. He had a special touch, holding and mesmerizing a gecko lizard by gently stroking its underbelly. His siblings dubbed him “Nature Boy” when they were young. As an adult, he was a man of the construction and building trades.

He was born December 18, 1955, in Monterey Park, California and was the third son of James Francis Monaghan and Darlene Musson Monaghan. Brother of 5 siblings, Uncle to 9, and Great Uncle to 4, he is survived by his mother, Darlene Monaghan Camp of Mesa, Arizona; two brothers, Mark and Mitchell, residing in New Jersey; and two sisters, Maureen residing at our own Grand Canyon and Melodie, residing in Florida. He is predeceased by his Father, “The Old Boy,” and his eldest brother, Michael, a retired Lt. Colonel in the US Army.

A gathering of friends and family will be Friday, February 6 from 6:00 pm- 8:00 pm at Melcher Mortuary Mission Chapel, 6625 E Main St. Mesa, AZ 85204. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the National Wildlife Federation at www.nwf.org or to The Nature Conservancy at www.nature.org.