PASSING OF BRIAN MONAGHAN The NYPD Emerald Society mourns the sudden passing of our long time member, Retired Police Officer Brian Monaghan at the age 50. He apparently suffered a fatal heart in a car accident while driving to a musical performance in Rockaway on Sunday afternoon May 17th. In his years since retiring from the NYPD Brian built a well-regarded second career as a singer-musician. He often played 3 or 4 gigs a week and he had a large following across countless neighborhoods in and around the city. Many of our Emerald Society members joined the legions of Monaghan fans, after seeing him on stage at some of our events. Brian could be found with guitar in hand at the McNeely Golf Outing, the Dinner Dance or the St. Patrick's Day Party delighting the crowd with some great tunes. The last couple of years he was a big hit while at the Winter Weekend upstate at the Villa Roma Resort. There he would deliver a fantastic repertoire of songs ranging from Irish ballads, old time Rock & Roll and Country to current hits right off the radio. While on stage he had a great presence, he could spin some funny one liners and stories in between a U2 and a Billy Joel classic. He would enjoy some playful bantering with old friends from his beloved Bay Ridge or Breezy Point, he was always engaged with the crowd in front of him. Laughter was continuous anytime Brian was amongst his people, he made quick friends and somehow managed to remember so many of their names. If there was ever a New York Cop who was blessed with the effects of kissing the Blarney Stone it was Officer Brian Monaghan, he had the gift of gab. From his days on post in the Midtown North Precinct throughout his years in the Movie-TV Unit he mastered the art of dealing with all types of people. Brian could always bring a smile to his fellow cops, bosses, and the homeless and even Hollywood stars with the greatest of ease. His time on the job never took him too far from the bright lights of Broadway and Time Square, places where he shined. In his second career many more were blessed to share some wonderful times with him in song and laughter. Brian's sudden and tragic passing certainly has brought great sadness to so many neighborhoods. Our faith tells us that now while in Heaven, Brian Monaghan will be on stage entertaining all the Angels and Saints with song and laughter. Brian leaves behind his beloved wife Jen and his 2 cherished sons Seamus and Jack. His devoted parents Peggy and Seamus and his loving siblings Margaret, Jimmy, Patrick, Michelle and Aileen. Arrangements by: Christopher Jordan Funeral Home 302 Long Beach Road, Island Park NY 11558 Visiting: Wednesday 7-9, Thursday 2-4 & 7-9 10 am Mass Friday St. Ignatius Martyr RC Church 721 West Broadway, Long Beach NY 11561