Walter Anthony Monn

Walter Anthony Monn 1924 October 3, 2012 Portland - Walter Monn, 88, of Portland, devoted husband and companion to Catherine (Ranaghan) Monn for 65 years, passed away on October 3, 2012 due to failing health, at the Cedars in Portland. Walter was born at Fort Devens, MA, to Catherine (Syre) and Sgt. Anthony Monn. Growing up, he lived at various military installations in the Portland area, attended South Portland Schools and graduated from South Portland High School in 1942. Upon graduating, he worked briefly at the South Portland shipyard, building WWII Liberty Ships before following in his father's footsteps and joining the Army. After training at Ft. Bliss, TX with the 483rd Battalion, Walter participated in battles in the Pacific Theatre, culminating with his battalion joining forces with the 5th Marine Amphibious for the attack on Iwo Jima. He was proud to have witnessed the raising of the flag on Mt. Suribachi through a pair of field glasses. Walter stayed on Iwo Jima while training for more island assaults as well as preparing for the attack on the Japanese mainland. He was discharged in 1946 as a Staff Sergeant with two battle stars. Walter joined New England Telephone in the early 1950's and worked on many installations throughout the N.E. area. He participated in the 1962 Andover Me. TelStar Satellite Project, a technological breakthrough which relayed the first publicly available live transatlantic television signal between the U.S. and Europe. Following his retirement in 1985 as an installation manager, he spent countless hours ""puttering"" around his home as well as willingly assisting his three children in any project they might undertake. Walter was also a member of both the VFW in South Portland and the Pioneer Club with New England Telephone. On November 22, 1947, he married Catherine Ranaghan at St. Dominic's in Portland and lived most of his life on Rockland Ave. Surviving him are his loving wife of 65 years, Catherine; their daughter Margarent Monn Govednik and her husband Frank along with their children Jonathan, Brian and his wife Jane of Bristol, R.I.; their son Stephen and his fiancé, Kathi O'Grady; their son Michael and his wife Sharon (Nichols) Monn of Falmouth along with their children Hannah Monn of Boston and Lindsay Monn of Gray, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Helene Monn Robbins. Like many of his generation, his work ethic, quiet demeanor and unflappability were virtues to be admired. He was much appreciated and will be missed. The family would like to express their appreciation and admiration to all that assisted in Walter's care at the Skilled Nursing Unit at Cedars for their humanity and compassion. Also, a huge thank you to the Rosemont neighbors who were always there to assist throughout the years. Visiting hours will be held on Monday, October 8, 2012 from 4 - 6 pm at A.T. Hutchins, LLC Funeral Home, 660 Brighton Ave, Portland. A mass of Christian Burial will be held on Tuesday, October 9 at 10a, at St. Patrick's Church, 1342 Congress St, Portland. Interment with military honors will follow at Calvary Cemetery, South Portland. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations made in Walter's name to the charity of your choice.