Steve Richard Monahan

Steve R. Monahan, 68, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, Friday, December 9, 2022. A native of Cincinnati, OH, Steve was born October 25, 1954 to the late Richard Eugene Monahan and Dorothy Bode Monahan. Both veterans of WWII.

A celebration of Steve’s life and visitation will take place on Friday, January 13, 2023 at the Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner, NC. Address: 1200 Benson Road Garner, NC 27529. Visitation will be held from 11:00 am - 12:00 pm. Immediately following visitation, there will be the celebration of Steve’s life at 12:15 in the funeral home chapel.

Steve loved his family very much, and was passionate about his work. He attended the University of Cincinnati and started his career in the 1970’s in Cincinnati as an engineer/architect with Dugan & Meyers Construction Co. He then began a project in Winchester, KY, where he met his soon-to-be wife, Barbara. He then transferred to Washington, DC where they spent two years. During this time, they married in 1986 on the Becky Thatcher river boat cruising down the Ohio River. Fittingly, the boat passed under the Roebling Suspension Bridge at the exact moment the country was celebrating “Hands across America”.

After two years in Maryland, they packed their belongings and moved to Central Florida where he worked on projects for Disney World, Epcot and MGM studios. This was a family favorite destination for all of his nieces and nephews. During this time, he was project manager on the renovation/addition of the Atlantis Hotel & Resort in the Bahamas on Paradise Island where he spent two years, and also had many visits from family to see his work. The white sand beaches and crystal-clear waters helped entice the trips.

He found his way back home to Cincinnati for a few years before eventually finding their perfect spot in Raleigh, NC working for D.H. Griffin in 2000 where they have since called home. He ended his career working with Balfour Beatty Construction where he retired in late 2020. In his nearly half century career in construction management, he was part of countless projects that helped grow communities, paved the way for additional jobs in many communities, and helped create memories for millions upon millions of families. His projects have stood tall for decades, and will continue to make memories for many more!

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 36 years, Barbara Monahan; daughter, Stephanie Monahan Vogel (Ralph Vogel); son, Kelly Sean Monahan; son, James Rainey; “Pappy” to granddaughter, Reagan Rainey and grandson Barrett Rainey; Furbaby, Bogey-man; brother, Greg Monahan; sister, Gayle Monahan Ryan (Bob Ryan); sister, Pam Monahan Hasenohr. Sisters-in-law Debra Monahan; Gladys Oldsen and Linda Daniels; brothers-in-law Lowell Allen, Ernie Allen, and Delmar Allen. Numerous nieces and nephews that he adored.

In addition to his parents, Steve is preceded in death by his brother Master Chief William “Bill” Monahan, USN, Retired.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Steve’s memory may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Eastern North Carolina.  The link to Make-A-Wish is available at the bottom of this page.  Steve was involved with this specific charity via his work by organizing a yearly golf fundraiser for the Raleigh business community. He was very humbled when his employer Balfour Beatty Construction named the annual golf fundraiser in his honor in lieu of his Cancer diagnosis. It is now named the “Steve Monahan Invitational”.