Robin Gabriel Monaco, 54, of Branford passed after brief illness on Monday January 25, 2016. Rob was born in New Haven on September 5, 1961; son of Anne Marie Anderson Monaco and the late Robin Gabriel Monaco. Rob was a graduate of Hamden High School where he enjoyed a standout career as captain of the Football and Baseball teams. While a Hamden Dragon Rob earned a variety of District and State level recognitions, and for his contributions to Connecticut Football, he was named to the New Haven Gridiron Club Hall of Fame in 2014. Recruited heavily out of High School, Robin signed with the Vanderbilt Commodores and started four years at left tackle while studying Geology and Sociology. As Team Captain, and a consummate teammate, Rob went on to earn many honors including All-SEC and All-American recognition. Rob enjoyed a young man’s dream by being drafted into the NFL in 1985. He played Offensive Center for the St. Louis Cardinals before an injury ended his promising career. He was so exuberant and full of life, he never met a stranger, he brightened a room with his smile and he was a fiercely loyal friend. Rob channeled his love of life into fishing, good BBQ, and his greatest passion- time with friends and family. He will be remembered by friends and family as the Gentle Giant and he will be deeply missed. Beloved father of Robin Gabriel Logan Monaco III and Haley Catherine Monaco. Brother of Ron (Darlene) Monaco. Also survived by his former wife Susan Monaco Hutchinson and longtime companion Karen Mahmood. Predeceased by his paternal grandparents Gabriel Richard and Florence Grace Monaco and his maternal grandparents Carl Ernest and Anne Therese Cullen Anderson.
His funeral procession will leave the North Haven Funeral Home, 36 Washington Avenue, Saturday morning at 9:30. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated in Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church at 10:00. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. The visiting hours will be Friday from 4 to 8 pm. Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to the Sleeping Giant Park Association (www.sgpa.org) PO Box 185340, Hamden, CT 06518.
What a beautiful soul, fiercely loyal, a huge heart, a sports star, fearless humble, a great brother, a true gentleman.
Robi will always be alive in my heart and soul. I will always miss you. I love you.
My deepest condolences to Ronnie, Anne, Logan, Haley, Susan, Karen and the rest of the family.
Love,
-Robbie
Ronnie,
I am so sorry for your loss. Rob was such a great guy. He had an infectious laugh and an incredible spirt. May God give you the strength that you need to get through this very difficult time. If I know Rob he is playing football and soaring with the Angels!!! If you need anything please give me a call.
Love :The McVeys and McCartins
To Ronnie and Anne – I'm so sorry to hear about Robbie. I had been trying to hunt him down on the internet for years, wanting to tell him what a big part of my childhood he and Ronnie were. He was such a good friend, even at a young age. He was the only person to ever call me Juls, funny no one else ever has. To his children – I'm so sorry for your loss, I'm sure he loved you dearly. To Karen – I'm glad he had you. Memory To share – on the bus ride home in the 8th grade I told Scott Inzero I would fight him when we got off. Robbie acted like my coach, rubbing my shoulders, getting me pumped, but laughing at the absurdity of it too – an angry girl with her dukes up. We moved from Fans Rock in the 8th grade, and forever missed his friendship. Xoxo
To his children,
I went to jr. high and high school with your father. My memories are of a very humble, kind person. His manner was very gentle and considerate. The Rob I knew was a gentleman. I am so sorry for his pain and your loss. I hope that you have many memories that are a comfort to you.
Thinking of you and keeping you and your father in my prayers.
You were the best friend I ever had and it one of the reasons I asked you to be my son's God Father, you will be in my heart until we meet agai
So sorry for you loss Ronnie. May he rest in peace.
My condolences to Ron and the entire Monaco Family. So many fond memories of Rob, especially of playing baseball together. Life is short, but it can be measured by the impact we leave on those around us,..and without a doubt Rob left an amazing legacy of achievement and friendship. Who amongst us doesn't smile when we think of him? That's a life well lived. RIP Rob,..God Bless,…we'll see you on the other side.
Very sorry for your loss…Ron, your AT&T family is thinking of you and your family during this difficult time.
So sorry for your loss.
My deepest condolences to the Monaco family,the times I have spent with Rob were always with a smile,something I can never forget. In this troubled time may all remember the GREAT times !!! Sorry for this sad loss
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Monaco family. Rest in Peace, Rob. God Bless
Sincere condolences,
I was friends with Rob in High School. Even so many years ago he had an influence in my life. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
Sorry to hear about the sudden loss of Rob. Hoping you all find comfort that he is at peace keep the memories forever in your heart . Made to beautiful memories sustain you until you meet again .
A great guy. Rob was always a good friend and had a great sense of humour. He kept us all going at Vanderbilt (particularly with Football)when work was touch and all wasn't the best with us personally. He will be missed by family and all that knew him.
I give my condolences to the Monaco family for Rob's Passing. Your family is in my prayers. I am sorry Ron.
The Bronner Family is reaching out to express our sorrow and sympathy to the Monaco family, one helluva gentle giant, irreplaceable friend, and courageous teammate, Big Rob, I Love You guy, I will miss you, bug now you must play ball with the
But now it's time to play ball with the angels.
So sorry Logan & Haley for your loss. always a smile, always something to say…a team player. If you were Rob's teammate, it didn't matter if you were right or wrong, didn't matter if you were good or bad; Rob ALWAYS had your back. Rest in peace 53
Rob was definitely a one-of-a-kind, great guy – who was brought laughter and joy to all
He made all around him better and was a super teammate…
Prayers and condolences you all of Rob's family and loved ones during their time of loss.
Dear Ann, I was saddened to hear about Robbie's death. Your boys were so wonderful, I loved them as my own. I hope you are strong going through this devastating ordeal, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please give my love to Ronnie and Robbie's children. He was such a special person. I remember the two boys in our living room the day we were moving to Rochester, NY. They were sad and so were we, we had developed a special relationship with all of you. Much love, Judy.
My thoughts and prayers are with Robin's family. We had classes together in high school and he always made me laugh. An all around great human being.
went to highschool with rob. Very sorry for your loss. In heaven he is no longer in pain. Please know that he is with loved ones including his father. May he visit his family and children in their dreams . Praying especially for your mother rob that she can now be at peace that you are comfortable. May god bless and watch over you. Everyone be kind as we all grow older-thank the lord for all you have . Remember your friend and classmate and be gentle on yourselves .
… Ronnie … my heart aches for your loss and sorrow … Although I did not know your brother, I know you … and I understand grief … and there is no patch, no switch that can turn it off when you lose someone you love … my tears are with, and for you, during this time of mourning, and although I unfortunately cannot be with you today, my thoughts & prayers are with you and I will see you soon …
… Ronnie … my heart aches for your loss and sorrow … & although I did not know your brother, I know you … and I understand grief … and there is no patch, no switch, that can turn it off when you lose someone you love … my tears are with, and for you, during this time of mourning, and although I unfortunately cannot be with you today, my thoughts & prayers are with you and Dar & I will see you soon … love to you … Bonnie
My condolences to the family. may you find comfort in Revelation 21:3,4
great guy always friendly and gentle giant is a great description