Stephen Monaghan

Worcester - Stephen John Monaghan, 61, of Worcester passed away on December 24, 2022, after a long debilitating battle with alcoholism. Stephen was born in Danbury, Ct, son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Corcoran) Monaghan. Stephen grew up in Holden. He graduated from Wachusett Regional High School, where he played on their soccer team. Shortly after high school, Stephen began working at Edwards Paint and Wallpaper. It is here where he gained two things that would stay with him for the rest of his life: his outstanding ability to match paint colors and his life-long partner, Lynne. During his years at Edwards, Stephen was fortunate to train under some of the best in the paint business and absorbed their vast knowledge. It is here at Edwards that he made many long-lasting friendships. Stephen continued his career at NAL’s Paint Center where he had the pleasure of working alongside Nal for several years. During this time, he took the opportunity to expand his knowledge of all things paint. He worked at NAL’s throughout the rest of his life intermittently for about 25 years. He had an exceptional eye for color and some would even say “he was the best paint color matcher in central Massachusetts”. Stephen was extremely talented at what he did. He was highly recommended and had countless repeat customers. This led to Stephen opening his own paint store, Monaghan’s Custom Colors for a few years. While paint was, without a doubt, Stephen’s true calling, he did wander off from it a couple of times. He sold appliances for Sears in the early 1990’s and worked a few years doing roofing for Sutherland Contracting. He of course found his way back to the colorful world of paint. In his spare time, Stephen enjoyed playing in the Holden Softball League for Smith Brother’s Printing and the Flying Rhino. Stephen was an awesome self-taught cook. His love for cooking led him to start the Pit Boss competition barbecue team. He enjoyed preparing his lasagnas for the Townsend Christmas dinners. His cooking was enjoyed and will be missed by many. Another love of Stephen’s was his love for music. Steve had far too many favorites to mention all, but Tom Waits, the Beatles, and the Grateful Dead were most definitely at the top of his list. Stephen is survived by his sister and her spouse, Anne Kuncewicz and Richard; his brothers and their spouses, Chris Monaghan and Christy, and Peter Monaghan and Melissa; his nieces and nephews, Marianne, Andrew, Chris, Conor, Kevin, Kelly, Tom, and Kate. Stephen is also survived by his partner, Lynne Townsend and her siblings, Sharon, Karen, Scott, and Carol; as well as many other family members and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Christopher and Elizabeth (Corcoran) Monaghan. Stephen had a fondness for cats and is predeceased by three of the best cats in the world, lady cat Gatamiata, his boy Sneezy and the best ever Archie. He is survived by his little buddy, who he aptly named Keebler, for his small stature. The family would like to take this opportunity to thank David Santora of NAL’s Paint Center for his constant support and appreciation of the skills that Stephen had to offer. A service is scheduled for 11:00 am, February 11, 2023 at Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care, 154 Lincoln Street, Worcester. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations are made to FuRRR Feline Rescue, 73 Pickering Rd. Unit 99 Rochester, NH 03839. Cremation services are in the care of Kelly Cremation and Funeral Care. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www. kellycremation. com