Mr William J. Monaghan

Watertown – Mr. William J. Monaghan, 79, passed away on Tuesday, May 10, at his home. He was the husband of Suzanne (Winger) Monaghan.

Bill was born August 21, 1942 in Waterbury, son of the late Donald F. and Dorothy (Burns) Monaghan. Raised in Waterbury, he was a graduate of St. Mary’s Grammar School and Sacred Heart High School, class of 1961. He received his BA in Social Studies, MA in Education, and 6th year degree in Reading from Central Connecticut State University. He later received a 6th year in School Administration from Southern Connecticut State University.

Bill began his employment with the City of Waterbury in 1968 at Slocum School. He later became a Reading teacher servicing Sprague, Duggan, and Carrington Schools. Continuing as a Reading teacher, Bill became a member of the Middle School Committee and was a charter member of Wallace Middle School and of West Side Middle School. In addition, he served as a Resource teacher at the Community School. Bill was the principal of Sprague School until his retirement in 1999.

Bill will be remembered as a devoted family man, enjoying extensive travel with his family, especially his grandchildren, Evan and Suzie. Bill was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying fishing, especially at Cape Cod with his fishing buddies and hunting the hills of Litchfield. He was also an avid reader of history.

In addition to his wife Sue, of 54 years, Bill is survived by his daughters, Meg and Beth, son-in-law, Al; the loves of his life, his grandchildren, Evan and Suzie; brother Todd and his wife Rosemary; sister-in-law, Nancy Grossman and brother-in-law Paul Grossman; his niece and nephews, Greg (Ashley), Sean (Gina), Kathleen (Bill), Michael (Katie) and Bill (Debbie) In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother Donnie.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, May 15, from 3:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. at the Bergin Funeral Home 290 East Main St. Waterbury. A Mass of Christian burial will be held on Monday at 10:00 A.M. at the Basilica of the Immaculate Conception. Burial of cremains will follow in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Watertown.