Daniel Robert Monaco

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Judge Daniel Robert Monaco of Naples, Florida, on July 8, 2021 at the age of 85. Peacefully and surrounded by his beloved wife of 46 years, Ann and their children.

Judge Monaco was born in Schenectady, New York on May 27, 1936. Dan was a determined man who understood the meaning of perseverance. After graduating from Mont Pleasant High School in New York, he found a job running a freight elevator at a downtown department store. He also worked for the State while taking college courses at Russell Sage Evening Division in Albany, NY. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree and was accepted at the University of Miami Law School where he received his Juris Doctor Degree. Upon his graduation from law school, he joined a Naples law firm, Sorokoty and Cervelli. In 1975 he established the law firm, Monaco and Cardillo. A friend noted that “He distinguished himself as a hardworking, industrious lawyer who had a way with clients that was disarming and comforting.” In 1996, he won the election for the State Circuit Judge and during his tenure he presided over many major cases, including one that was covered nationally by Court TV. Dan was Board Certified in Civil Trial Practice and Family Law and was in the first class to be Board Certified by the Florida Bar Association. He was commissioner and chair of the 20th Circuit Judicial Nominating Commission, founder and chairman of its Family Law Section, chair of the Family Law Section of the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers and a sustaining member of the American Trial Lawyers Association and its family law section.

He also attended Oxford University in England. He served in the United States Marine Corp Reserves and received an Honorable Discharge. He was a great student of history and the military. He was proud of his Italian heritage and participated in the National Italian American Lawyers Association. Throughout his career, he was asked to start various specialty courts, among which was the Veterans Mental Health Court, Juvenile Drug Court and Truancy Court. He is a former member of the Board of David Lawrence Mental Health Center and Guadalupe Center, which serves underprivileged migrant children, and he is an Honorary Board Member of the Friends of Foster Care Counsel which honored him as a Person of Distinction for his work with Foster Children.

Dan will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife Ann; children Laura Monaco Fisher, Julie Monaco Berry (Patrick) and Jerry Monaco; grandchildren Kyle Fisher, Danielle Fisher, Leslie Berry Pinkerton (Robby), Ellie Berry, Abbie Berry, Atticus Monaco.

Special appreciation to family caregivers, Sunny Zeljkovic and Dr. Paul Jones and Dr. Gary Sporn.

A celebration of life is planned for Sunday, July 18th at 11:30 a.m. at Hodges Funeral Chapel located at 111th Avenue North, Naples, FL.

A reception will follow immediately at Quail Creek Country Club at 13300 Valewood Drive, Naples, FL.

People wishing to honor Judge Monaco's lifelong commitment to family and community can donate to one of his favorite charities. Guadalupe Center at 509 Hope Circle, Immokalee, FL 34142, Friends of Foster Care Council 2675 Horseshoe Drive South, Suite 402, Naples, FL 34104 and The Neighborhood Clinic 88 12th Street North, Suite 100, Naples, FL 34102.