Joseph La Monica

It is with enormous sadness that the La Monica family express the passing of their beloved husband and father, Joseph La Monica, 76, of Oakland Park, Florida. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loved ones on May 24, 2025, at Holy Cross Hospital in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

He is survived by his devoted, loving wife of 48 years, Diane; his daughter, Christine; his son, Joe; and daughter-in-law, Nicole. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts to Gloria and Joseph on November 17, 1948. He also leaves behind his two younger sisters, Angela La Monica and Maureen Rotella, his brother-in-law William Rotella, and their three children, Kelley, her husband, Mitchell Stoun, and their two children, Peyton, and Harper Stoun, Christopher Rotella and Michael Rotella.

Joe graduated from Merrimack College in 1972 with a degree in Sociology and then went on to receive his Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance in 1975 at Nova University.

Joe’s first job out of college was as a planner/coordinator for the Area Agency on Aging. He maintained a constant set of checks and balances for all agency programs.

Starting in 1979, Joe spent over ten years at Eastern Airlines beginning with a “foot in the door” position as an airplane cleaner, and then advanced to management at both Miami and Palm Beach Airports. The family frequently enjoyed the privileges of travel as they visited many super sites of America.

Following the airlines, Joe dedicated the next 23 years to education. Because of his excellence and love of teaching, he was selected to receive the prestigious award for “Teacher of the Year” in 1995. Joe’s methods of teaching were laced with love, patience and understanding. His teaching experience spanned from the school science resource teacher up to 4th and 5th grade dropout prevention, down to 2nd and 3rd grade classrooms. Students and colleagues, alike, will never forget how Joe could capture his audience through humor, personal experience stories and the magic of hands-on activities like packing and sending “goodie boxes” to soldiers on the battlefield or making an experiment for a science project in the classroom. His students were privileged to have had such a knowledgeable and enthusiastic teacher!

Sports, in general, have always been Joe’s major interest and pastime. As a young father, Joe coached Flag Football and Little League baseball. When his son, Joe, was young, they were members of the local Indian Guides where they would compete in “war games” with other tribes. He often played tennis for exercise and in later years reverted to the luxury of his recliner to enjoy and root for his hometown heroes and, of course, his beloved Boston Red Sox!!

Joe’s interest and love of model railroading began as a youngster and escalated through the years to become his “village”. The highlight of the year was when he could welcome and share his village display with family and friends during the holiday season.

Joe loved to travel. It didn’t matter the destination as long as he was moving. As a family, we made our annual 8,000+ mile summer pilgrimage to Wyoming and Maine, and all stops in between, to visit with family and friends. Those precious memories of our time together will be remembered forever in our hearts and fortunately through the lens of the many photos that he snapped and recorded along the way.

Joe loved working in the yard. He took pride in keeping the bushes, trees and flowers watered and trimmed. He had a special love for his orchid collection.

Family was always Joe’s main priority. Hours were spent, through the years, researching his family roots and history. His family tree is extensive and full of interesting facts and stories that will be treasured by generations to come. He, in the last few years, became a docent at the Sample McDougald House where he enjoyed giving tours to those who were interested in learning about the history of Pompano Beach.

In 1962 Joe received a very distinguished honor from the Boy Scouts called the “Ad Altare Dei Medal”. This medal represents the impeccable character that Joe exhibited as a child and has continued to practice throughout his adult life. Joe is known for his friendliness, kindness and unwavering love and devotion to his family, church and community. He proudly served as a Deacon at First Baptist Church of Pompano Beach. He strove to model our Lord’s love and shared his testimony whenever the opportunity arose. We celebrate now, knowing that Joe has reached his ultimate goal and received his reward. He is healed, without pain and is present with His Lord and Savior for eternity. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Joe's Celebration of Life will commence on Saturday, June 28, 2025 at 10:00 at First Baptist Church - Pompano, 138 NE 1st Street, Pompano Beach, FL 33060.

It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired Joe be, sure to let the family know by writing a few words in the "Memory" section of his obituary on the Kraeer - Fairchild Funeral Home website. www.KraeerFairchild.com.