Obituary

James T. (Jimmy) Monaco 

James T. (Jimmy) Monaco, 73, of Hoboken, New Jersey and Boca Raton, Florida passed away suddenly in Boca Raton on October 11, 2021.   

Born on July 23, 1948, Jimmy graduated from Hoboken High School, Class of 1966, and worked various jobs, including positions with Maxwell House Coffee, the City of Hoboken (CETA) and, ultimately, a career as a firefighter and fire prevention officer with the Hoboken Fire Department.  Jimmy enjoyed many years serving his community in a volunteer capacity on the Hoboken Board of Education, where he was elected by voters to multiple terms and was chosen as Vice President and President by fellow members, and as an appointee for many years on the Hoboken Planning Board, where he contributed to the growth and development of the city he loved.   

He leaves his beloved wife of 50 years, Ann (nee Palumbo), his daughter, Lisa, his son, James T. Monaco, Jr. and his loving mother Genevieve Monaco (nee Repetti).  Also surviving are his two sisters-in-law, Linda Palumbo and Fran Canino, a host of loving relatives and many amazing friends and associates in New Jersey and Florida.  Jimmy was predeceased by his father, Charles Monaco, who (along with Genevieve) owned Skinny’s Luncheonette, a very popular eatery on the corner of 5th and Madison Streets in Hoboken for many years.  Also predeceasing Jimmy were his beloved mother-in-law and father-in-law, Jeannette (nee Curcio) and Thomas Palumbo, who treasured their relationship with him as he did with them.   

In retirement, Jimmy enjoyed his last 15-20 years living the snowbird life in South Palm Beach, then Boca Raton, Florida, and many concurrent and previous years in Hoboken and Toms River, New Jersey.  Jimmy thoroughly enjoyed investing, fishing, socializing with dear old and new friends, going on cruises around the Caribbean with Ann and playing poker (his “part time job” to supplement his “fixed income”) at Isle Casino Racing Pompano Park and Seminole Casino Coconut Creek in Florida, where he developed lasting friendships with other players and staff.   

The family would like to acknowledge, and express immense gratitude and appreciation for, the outstanding efforts and compassion of the management and support team at Stratford Arms in Boca Raton, Florida, the Boca Raton Police Department, Boca Raton Regional Hospital staff and all other first responders and medical personnel, as well as the entire staff at Failla-McKnight Memorial Home who assisted the family during this difficult time.  We sincerely thank them and will never forget their kindness and cooperation. 

The family has decided to begin the process of founding, and has already made significant progress in forming, the Jimmy Monaco Memorial Future Firefighters Foundation (JMMFFF), a non-for-profit 501(c)3 initiative to be led by his son, family and committed and lifelong friends.  Although a formal Mission/Vision is not completed, the primary goal of the JMMFFF will be to work with local high schools, colleges and universities, and community organizations to expand the opportunity for young people in NJ inner cities to pursue a career as a firefighter.  The foundation will help through community outreach and awareness, assisting candidates with the test registration process, prep classes and financial support and necessary fees. 

JMMFFF board of directors and executive officers will be comprised of a diverse group of active and retired firefighters, fire department captains and battalion chiefs, legal/medical/business professionals, educators and coaches from NJ.  Backed by a network of family, friends, colleagues and contacts, along with relevant experience working with high school and post-secondary students and athletes, and a small group of individuals who played sports at the professional level, and gratified by the immediate commitments and support from all of our board candidates, we are extremely excited to continue working on this process as soon as possible.  

 The Funeral Mass will be offered on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, 11 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 704 Jefferson Street, Hoboken, Reverend Peter Palmisano, Celebrant.  Visitation will be held on Monday, October 18, 2021, beginning at 1 PM and concluding at 8 PM at Failla-McKnight Memorial Home, 533 Willow Avenue, Hoboken.  Parking is available in rear of the memorial home off Sixth Street, as well as ample off street designated parking.   

As such, in lieu of floral arrangements, the family would like to offer the opportunity to make a preliminary pledge to the JMMFFF, which would be confirmed upon completion of its legal and tax requirements.

Pledges may be sent to JimmyMonacoFoundation@gmail.com Alternative options to share your love and condolences may be made via donations to Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Catholic Church in Garfield, NJ at www.mountvirgin.com or the Hoboken High School Boys Basketball Program in memory and honor of Jimmy Monaco.  Further information may be obtained by contacting James Monaco, Jr. at james.monaco@ymail.com. Link to Virtual Mass https://youtu.be/RxYxPt31mc4