George Calvin Monroe

George Calvin Monroe was born in Brooklyn, NY to Cecil, Sr. and Marion Munroe on June 25, 1926. George was the middle child of Cecil and Marion and had two sisters, Phyllis and Marion Jr.; and two brothers Cecil Jr. “Bugs” and Charles. He attended school in Brooklyn, NY and after graduation joined the U.S. Navy. George was introduced to his wife Eunice Robinson of Brooklyn, by his oldest sister Phyllis; they were married in October 1948 in Brooklyn, NY. George and Eunice raised their three children, Ravenia (Rai), Cecil and Ronald (Rondew) in Woodside, NY.

Mr. Monroe had several jobs, including NY Department of Sanitation, NYC Parks Department and General Motors. He retired at age 65 and traveled abroad to Asia and the Caribbean. Although raised in the church as a young man, George renewed his relationship with God in his mid 70’s. He became a member of the Evangel Church in L.I.C. where he was active in working with the youth program and received a certificate of completion for “Foundations of Spiritual Growth” in 2008.

He was a veteran of World War II and served in the U. S. Navy as a Cook/Chef. He received his certification in culinary arts while in the Navy and was known to his family and friends as an exceptional chef. Some of his noted specialties were his glazed ham and cheese pie aka mac & cheese.

George was an avid music lover and was an original Jazz Be-bopper. He came from a musical family, his father Cecil Sr., played piano, organ and violin and led his own orchestra, “Cecil Munroe & his Excelsior Dance Orchestra”; his brothers Charles played drums and Cecil Jr. “Bugs” played piano. The love of music was passed on to both of his sons, Cecil a well known drummer in Japan, his youngest son, Rondew, an accomplished bassist and his daughter, Rai, a Salsa dancer.

George was a “jack of all trades” and a “master of most”; he was the “go to guy” for his family and friends. Some of his hobbies included traveling, photography and a love of football. George was known to carry a camera always. He was the original “techie” before his time and had all the newest electronics/gadgets.

George was young at heart and in spirit. He would hang out with the old and party with the young. He was loved by all.

His wife Eunice, daughter Ravenia and son Cecil, preceded George in death. He leaves his loving memories to be cherished by his son Ronald Monroe of Queens, daughter-in-law Chisato Monroe, granddaughter Sayla Monroe, grandson Rahsaan Monroe all of Tokyo, Japan; sister-in-law, Phyllis Robinson, and nephews Johnny Besant, David Besant, Danny Govan and niece Naomi Besant, grandniece Tyshena Martin and a host of family and friends