Don Moniak

Donald Valentine Moniak passed away in his home in Littleton, Colorado on April 19, 2017, with his beloved wife of 63 years at his side. He was 91. Don was born in Superior, Wisconsin on December 10, 1925. At the age of 16, he moved to Detroit, Michigan with his mother and stepfather, Virginia and Jerry Malinowski. Just before his 19th birthday, Don enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served with the 385th Infantry Regiment in the European Theater of Operations from April 1944 to August 1945. Among the citations awarded to him were the Combat Infantry Badge and Good Conduct Medal. After the war, Don returned to Michigan where he worked in the auto industry and the U.S. Post Office. On June 14, 1953, he met Rose Ann Coronella, of Boston, Massachusetts at a ballroom dance. They were married in Boston on April 24, 1954 and were a graceful pair on dance floors throughout their life together. In 1956, they moved to Massachusetts. Don worked in the construction industry, retiring from International Association of Iron Workers Local 7 in 1987. Always invigorated by heights, the highlight of his career was being a member of the steel erection crew for the 60-story John Hancock Tower, Boston's tallest building. Don's personal life was dedicated to Rose and their seven children, all of whom graduated from Billerica Memorial High School in Massachusetts and later earned bachelor degrees from colleges across the country. He appreciated the outdoors, found peace in the quiet of natural landscapes, and spent much time in the summer camping and exploring New England with his family. In 1992, Don and Rose relocated to Littleton, Colorado to be near their daughters and enjoy the Rocky Mountains and their surrounding open spaces. Don continued to work full time at a variety of jobs until he decided to officially retire at the age of 82. He was an active parishioner in St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Littleton for the past 25 years and attained the Patriotic Degree for his years of charitable work with Knights of Columbus Council #9349. He loved serving others and was entirely comfortable talking with people from all walks of life. Don is survived by his wife, Rose A. Moniak, and his seven children; Steve Moniak, Cambridge, MA; Rich Moniak, Juneau, AK; Jo Edmondson, Paonia, CO; Don (Karen) Moniak, Aiken, SC; Ginny (Tom) Bank, Boulder, CO; Julie (Steve) Bunch, Berthoud, CO; and Christine (Tom) Day, Boulder, CO; 11 grandchildren (Michael, Ed, Tyber, Tracy, Jessie, Marisa, Mattias, Marcos, Autumn, Abby and Kevin); and one greatgrandchild (Nathaniel). Don will be dearly missed by his family and loving friends. Memorial services: Rosary Service: 7:00 pm, Monday, May 1, Horan & McConaty Funeral Center, 3101 S. Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood Funeral Mass: 10:30 am, Tuesday, May 2, St. Frances Cabrini Parish, 6673 W Chatfield Ave, Littleton Donald's ashes will be buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery, Staging Area 'B', 4400 W Kenyon Ave, Denver, in a service that will begin with Military Honors rendered by United States Army at 1:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Donald V. Moniak may be made to: Littleton Adventist Hospital Foundation https://www.rmahf.org/littleton-hospital-foundation.html 303-715-7600 Knights of Columbus Council #9349 c/o St. Frances Cabrini Parish 6673 W Chatfield Ave. Littleton, CO 80128 Agape Hospice Foundation 6041 S Syracuse Way, Suite 220 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Please share memories and condolences with the family below.