Devoted Husband, Heroic Corrections Officer, Beloved Father and Grandpa
Donald “Don” Monahan, a loving husband, proud father of five boys, cherished grandfather, passed away surrounded by family. He was known by all as a gentle giant — a man of immense strength, deep compassion, and unwavering loyalty.
Don served as a corrections officer for many years, earning the respect of his peers and inmates alike. He faced danger head-on during multiple prison riots throughout his career, most notably during the Adrian Riot of 1995, where he put his life on the line to save others. Though he was never one to boast, Don’s actions spoke louder than words — he was a hero in every sense, guided by duty and heart.
But beyond the uniform, Don was, above all else, a family man. For over 50 years, he shared a once-in-a-lifetime love with his wife Rhonda, whom he affectionately called “Rose.” Together, they raised five sons in a home filled with laughter, values, and unforgettable memories. Don instilled in his boys the virtues of hard work, respect, kindness, and humility — by the way he lived, not just the words he spoke.
He adored his grandchildren and never missed a chance to spoil them with golf cart rides, popcorn, soda, milkshakes, toast (he loved his burnt) or whatever else made their faces light up. His eyes sparkled when they were near, and he reveled in being the best grandpa he could be.
Known for his humor and larger-than-life presence, Don was the heart of every family gathering. He loved to laugh, especially when surrounded by his loved ones, and always made sure everyone else was smiling too. The county fair was the highlight of his year — not for the animals or attractions, but for the simple joy of being with his family, riding his golf cart around and watching the world go by.
To know Don Monahan was to know loyalty, strength, and unconditional love. If he called you a friend, you were truly blessed. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, character, and endless love. There will never be another like him.
Don is survived by his wife, Rhonda of nearly 50 years, their five sons, Phil (Elisha) Monahan, Joshua Monahan, Nick (Michelle) Monahan, Pete (Jamie) Monahan and Jeremy (Hawley) Monahan, 15 grandchildren, one great grandchild and one on the way, a brother, Tracey Monahan, three sisters, Patricia Miller, Phylis Holtz and Barb (Richard) Koning, four sister’s-in-laws, Sue Monahan, Angela Monahan, Joy Ries and Brenda (LeRoy) Goodro and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip and Betty (Irwin) Monahan, two brothers, Dave and Dick Monahan, three brother’s-in-law, Jerry Landis, Kenny Miller and John Holtz and his mother and father-in-law, Pete and Laura Landis.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Father Todd Koenigsknecht officiating. Cremation to follow. Private burial will take place at a later date in Calvary Cemetery, Hudson. Visitation will be on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 2-4 and 6-8 P.M. with a Rosary Service at 8:00 P.M. and on Thursday from 9:45- 10:30 A.M. at the Marry Funeral Home in Hudson.
Memorial contributions can be made to St. Vincent de Paul, 403 E. Spring Street, Fayette, OH 43521. Friends can express sympathies to the family online by visiting the tribute wall at www.eaglemarryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been made with the guidance of the Marry Funeral Home, Hudson.