John Z Monahos

John Zeff Monahos, cherished husband, father, and grandfather, and longtime resident of Ridgefield, Connecticut and Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away peacefully at his home in Florham Park, New Jersey on March 16, 2026 at the age of 93 leaving behind a life defined by love, music, and quiet generosity.

Born during the Great Depression in Astoria, New York, he grew up immersed in the city’s rich music culture. As a boy he watched a young Frank Sinatra perform during intermissions at the Astoria Theatre and absorbed the sounds of the Cotton Club era. Jazz remained the rhythm of his life. An avid collector and listener, he created countless mixtapes and later became a familiar face in Sarasota’s vibrant jazz community, often staying out late at jam sessions with friends.

At the center of his life was his wife, Athena, whom he met as a child at church. They roller skated together through middle school in Central Park and Astoria Park, and married in 1958. They shared a love of the ocean—from Jones Beach, to summers in Rhode Island, to 25 years in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

After proudly serving in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, he built a distinguished career in accounting and finance, joining IBM in 1966 and later as Treasurer of Dictaphone and Pitney Bowes before moving to Chase Bank.

He enjoyed raising his family in Ridgefield for many years. His daughters were central to his life. Skating together on their pond, feeding ducks, chopping wood, and time at the beach brought him joy.

Friends remember him for generosity, curiosity, and love of the stock market. He celebrated with live music, friendly conversation, time by the water, and his belief that ice cream makes everything better.

He is survived by his precious wife of 67 years, Athena; daughters Denise Fountain (Barnaby), Stephanie Monahos (Jean-Paul Malicsi); grandchildren Michael Fountain, Alyssa Fountain (Ian Koch), Zane Malicsi, and Ava Malicsi; brother Theo Monahos (Dorothy); brother-in-law William Anastos; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose lives he touched with kindness, encouragement, and care.

John was predeceased by his parents, Cleopatra and John Monahos, and sister, Effie Anastos. 

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations  John’s memory to the Jazz Club of Sarasota (jazzclubsarasota.org) or WGBO Radio (https://www.wbgo.org/). To honor his memory, please enjoy your favorite ice cream. 

Please join us in honoring his life. Visitation will be on Sunday, March 29 between 2:00 - 6:00pm at Higgins and Bonner, Westfield, NJ. The funeral  service will be held on Monday, March 30 at 10:45 at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, Westfield, NJ. Internment will be Thursday,  April 2 at 11am at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, NJ.