Obituary of John W. McMonagle

John W. McMonagle, age 72, of Rome, passed away peacefully December 28, 2009, at home with his loving family at his side. He was born July 17, 1937, in Albany, a son of Burton and Alice Mulholland McMonagle, and graduated from Massena High School in 1955, and St. Lawrence University in 1959. He married the former Joan Kirkland Baker, on August 18, 1962; she died October 18, 1989. John later married Ellen Mellay Pouliot on March 15, 1996. He was a school teacher and guidance counselor, and retired as director of the Guidance Department at Holland Patent Central School. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, Rome Elks, Sleepy Hollow Golf Course and the Lake Delta Yacht Club. He was Past President of Rome Historical Society, Director of Fort Stanwix Museum from 1957-1966 and former Chairman of Historic Rome Developmental Association. John was a great believer in the Boy Scouts of America, and its programs and the impact they had on children's lives. His scouting experiences spanned more than 40 years as an adult. He served as Webelos leader, Pack Committee Chairman, Assistant Cub master, and Cub master of Pack 50, at Denti School, and Assistant Scoutmaster and Scoutmaster of Troop 50 for more than 10 years. During his tenure as Scoutmaster, 23 young men attained the rank of Eagle Scout, including 2 of his sons, an achievement of which he was extremely proud. He provided outstanding leadership to Mohawk/Cayuga District, serving as its District Commissioner and District Chairman for many years. Since 1977, he served as an Executive Board member of the Iroquois Council, Land of the Oneidas Council, and the Revolutionary Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America, during their consolidations. He held many key positions, including Vice President of Membership/Relationships, and currently with the Council's Endowment Development Committee. An avid trainer, he provided his skills, knowledge, guidance and expertise to numerous courses including the University of Scouting, GAWASA, Junior Leader Training, Woodbadge and District Leader Roundtables. He was a Vigil member in the Order of the Arrow, Scouting's National Honor Society, Ga-Hon-Ga Lodge #34. He was a James E. West, Fellow. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award in 1981, by the Iroquois Council, for his distinguished service to Scouting; the highest award a local council can bestow upon an individual. The Revolutionary Trails Council recently honored him with the presentation of the "Scouter of the Century Award" for his contributions to the Scouting program and the youth of its communities. John is survived by his wife, Ellen Pouliot McMonagle; children and spouses, Elizabeth and Mark Becker of Castle Rock, CO, Mark and Jeri McMonagle of Honeoye Falls, David and Brenda McMonagle of Rome, and Daniel and Bethany McMonagle of Rome; stepchildren and spouse, Thomas and Shellie Baker of Rome, Linda Pouliot of Holland Patent, and Jacqueline Leveckis of Canton, MA; 10 grandchildren, Joel, Keith, Amy, Caleigh and Samuel McMonagle, Patrick and Katherine Becker, Abigail and Benjamin McMonagle, and Hunter and Hayden McMonagle; 6 step grandchildren, Monica and Matas Leveckis, Margo and Rachael Pouliot, and Heather and Jessica Hartman; and 3 brothers in law, Peter Kirkland of Herkimer, Robert Mellay of North Port, FL and Samuel Kirkland, Petersburg, VA. The funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 AM, at the First Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Rome Cemetery. Relatives and friends may call at the Barry Funeral Home, 807 W. Chestnut Street, Tuesday 3 to 7 PM. The family wishes to sincerely thank Dr. Jennifer Wargo at Mass. General Hospital, Dr. Samir Desai, Dr. Anthony Cotronea and Larry Palinski, the staff on the 6th Floor at Faxton-St. Luke's Healthcare and Hospice and Palliative Care, for all the care, compassion and friendship extended to John during his illness. Memorial contributions may be made the Boy Scouts of America.