Thomas Joseph Monaco Sr.

Dr. Thomas Joseph Monaco, Sr., 88, died peacefully on September 18th, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. A resident of the Glenaire Retirement Community in Cary, NC, Tom was affectionately known as “Pop” by his grandchildren.

Tom was born February 20, 1938, in Kearny, New Jersey to Nicholas and Anne (Sawicki) Monaco.

Upon completing his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at Rutgers University, Tom moved to Raleigh to pursue his Ph.D.in Plant Physiology at NCSU. Although raised in New Jersey, his roots were quickly transplanted into Southern soil, which became the place where he flourished professionally, met his wife, and raised a family. A respected scientist, educator, and mentor, Tom pursued his lifelong passion for agriculture, advancing its impact in improving lives around the world. He became a respected and recognized leader in the horticulture field. Held in high esteem by friends and colleagues, he dedicated 35 years of distinguished service to NC State University where he served as Professor, including 15 years as the Chair of the Department of Horticulture. Following his retirement, he continued to contribute to the mission of the Horticulture Department and NCSU for an additional 15 years, serving as an Assistant to the Dean’s Office. Tom loved and was committed to his work, his colleagues, and the students at NCSU. One of his proudest professional legacies is the numerous graduate students who studied under him, many of whom have become prominent educators and leaders in agriculture throughout the world. He took special pride in sharing that 10 members of the Monaco family, including his sons, their spouses and several grandchildren earned degrees from NCSU, reflecting his deep affection for the University and the family’s enduring connection to it.

Tom’s favorite roles were as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He married his beloved wife, Jenny, in August 1964. Together as lifelong partners, they built a home for their family characterized by laughter, warmth and support. By example, they taught their three sons the importance of kindness, integrity, and leaving the world better than they found it. As those who knew Tom or even just met him briefly will share, he embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved to gather with family and friends, to share meals, to share stories, and to create memories. For many years, he enjoyed spending time at his beach home, organizing fishing trips on his boat, and surf fishing on the Outer Banks, including with members of the Core Banks Surf Fishing Club. Regardless of whether the fish cooperated, these fishing trips were characterized by an abundance of comradery, laughter and good food.

Gardening was another of Tom’s passions. Those around him benefitted not only from his expertise but also from the humor and encouragement that he brought to every gardening lesson. Proper cultivation of seeds, the finer points of running a tiller, and tips for meticulously laying irrigation pipe were all part of “Pop’s Gardening 101,” informal instruction for anyone who wanted to learn. His gardening produced an abundance of flowers, fruits, and vegetables which he generously shared with loved ones, neighbors, and the local Food Bank. His gardening projects included, at times, unusual and rare produce, and he regularly won ribbons at the NC State Fair for these “odd” offerings as well as more traditional produce. In many ways, Tom’s gift for nurturing and growing was reflected even in the lawn and landscaping around the family home on Oregon Circle in Cary. The carefully tended yard resulted in neighbors and passersby frequently stopping by to admire his work. Even strangers often offered a thumbs up, a smile, or a positive shout out from an open car window as he tended to beautiful dramatic annuals as well as trees that he planted decades ago. This happy man brought this same vigor and care to those around him.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Virginia Smithwick Monaco (Jenny); his three sons; Dr. Thomas Monaco Jr. (Jane), (Raleigh) Dr. Joseph W. Monaco (Malina) (Cary) and Michael A. Monaco (Sylvia) (Apex) and eight grandchildren: Spencer, Catherine, Claire, Margaret, John, Anthony, Nicholas and Anna; his brother Joseph L. Monaco (Atlantic Highlands, NJ) and sister Marion Taylor (Tucson, Arizona) His brother Nicholas predeceased him. Tom is also survived by dear friends who were like family, especially Jayne and Roy Byrd (Cary).

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Tom at St Michaels Episcopal Church of Raleigh.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Either of these

• NC Agricultural Foundation (EIN 56-6049304), Attn: Thomas and Virginia Monaco Graduate Fellowship Educational Endowment (Principal Fund # 660777) NC State, Campus Box 7645, Raleigh, NC 27695

• St Michaels Episcopal Church, 1520 Canterbury Rd, Raleigh, NC 27608