Pedro Antonio Monagas Sr.

Pedro A. Monagas Sr., 85, of Rochester, New York, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on March 31, 2026. He leaves behind a legacy of deep love, quiet strength, and unwavering devotion to those he cherished most.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benito Monagas Olan and Mariana Sanchez Mercado; his great-granddaughter, Isabella M. Bermudez; his sisters, Iris M. Monagas Sanchez and Ana Maria Monagas Sanchez; his brother, Raul Monagas Sanchez; brother-in-law Jose Lopez, and brother-in-law, Leocadio Mercado Aquino.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 50 years, Amelia Monagas; his children, Amelia Miller (Neal) of New Boston, Michigan; Miosotxis Cantero (Allen); Cristina Neumire (Dana); Pedro A. Monagas Jr.; and his honorary daughter, Patricia. He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Iyleea (Eric), Venessa (Mike), Brianna, Nikkia (Heidi), Alex (Kristin), Shane (Stephanie), Terrence II, Carissa, Brittany, Juliana, Adrian, Laynna (Kristen), and Ava; and his adored great-grandchildren: Sage, Madelynn, Christian, Kieran, Gracie, Richard, Angelina, Airianna, Alex Jr., Lukas, Jayden, Riley, Gianna, Elina, Neveah, Terrence III, Jackson, Sophia, Mia, Tristan, and Celestina. He is also survived by his honorary grandchildren AJ, Lea, Joey, and Blair.

Pedro is further survived by his sisters, Sonia M. Monagas Sanchez, Maria E. Monagas Sanchez, Ednidia M. Mercado, and Mary Nieves Monagas Sanchez; his brothers, Nelson Monagas Sanchez and Rafael F. Monagas Sanchez; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.

Affectionately known as “Papi” or “Tito” by family and friends, he was born on July 17, 1940, in Añasco, Puerto Rico. At the age of 19, he moved to New York, later relocating to Connecticut. During a visit to his brother in Rochester, he met the woman who would become his wife. He moved to Rochester in October 1974 to court her—and quickly won over her three daughters. They were married on November 6, 1976, and welcomed a son on September 28, 1977.

Papi was a man of deep faith and a devoted Catholic. His kindness, compassion, and generosity reflected the values of his Christian beliefs.

He worked at General Motors and retired in 1986.

Above all, Papi was a devoted family man. Nothing brought him more joy than being surrounded by loved ones, whether at home or while traveling to visit family in Connecticut, Miami, Michigan, and Puerto Rico. He especially treasured time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—each of whom he considered his favorite. His smile would light up any room when they were near.

He loved to laugh and joke, often saying something with a straight face that would leave you wondering—only to break into a wide smile that stated, “Gotcha!” He enjoyed playing dominoes and cornhole, listening to music, and dancing. He also loved to cook, often cooking extra "just in case" someone else showed up at the house.

Papi was always ready to lend a helping hand. There was little he wouldn’t try—whether repairing cars, lawn mowers, washers and dryers, or tackling ceramic tile, plumbing, and electrical work. He truly did it all, and he did it with the patience of a saint. Every Christmas, he would spend hours untangling lights and tracking down the one bulb preventing them from working.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed visiting the horse track and OTB, playing scratch-off tickets and the lottery, and watching his beloved New York Yankees.

Though he is no longer with us, his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed.

Calling Hours will be held at Alvah Halloran & Son Funeral Home, 2125 Chili Ave, Rochester, New York 14624, on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Christopher's Church, 3350 Union St., North Chili, NY 14514, on Friday April 10, 2026, at 10:00 am.

He will be laid to rest at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.