Major G. Monaco

View Video Tribute Major Fred G. Monaco (USAF, Ret.), 79, passed away February 7, 2013. He was born of Italian immigrants on April 6, 1933 in Columbus, Ohio. He was a 20 year veteran of the United States Air Force and served one tour in Vietnam. During his time in the service, Fred was a Senior Navigator, navigating in many parts of the world and in a variety of aircraft. He was also a Senior Missile Crew Commander and the 314th Transportation Squadron Commander at the LRAFB. Fred was known in the military to be firm but fair and enjoyed helping young airmen choose the correct path in life. After retiring from the United States Air Force, he was not done serving his country. He logged almost 17,000 hours over a 26 year period as a tireless volunteer at the Towbin V.A. Medical Center in North Little Rock. He always said that Veterans needed a voice and he was going to do what he could to make sure they got what they needed! He was also a past Commander of the Central Arkansas D.A.V. Chapter 7. During his retirement, Fred took up painting as one of his hobbies, leaving numerous pieces of artwork and family portraits to be cherished by his family. His volunteering continued to come naturally as he served as past President of the Arkansas League of Artists. He was preceded in death by his father, Fred D. Monaco and his mother, Jennie Monaco, both of Columbus, Ohio, as well as his mother-in-law, Margaret Greeno of Apache Junction, Arizona. He leaves behind his wife, Sandra, of 58 years. A strict father, and a "push-over" PawPaw, he also leaves behind four children, Fred "Rocky' Monaco II (Sandy), Mark Monaco, Susan Columbus (Tony) and Wendy Bush; seven grandchildren, Heather McCracken, Jennifer Bush, Tony, Taylor and Erin Columbus, Rebecca and Jessica Monaco; and three great-grandchildren, Ben, Kaitlin and Chloe. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marty Kopke (Jim) of Mesa, Arizona. He was a Catholic and member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in North Little Rock for forty-seven years. Fred truly loved flying for the Air Force and has achieved "High Flight" as he puts out his hand and touches the face of God. The family would like to thank all persons at the various facilities that came in contact with and cared for our husband, dad and papa over the past two years. A special thanks goes out to those who made a positive difference in his care and touched his heart in a special way during the most courageous battle of his life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society of Arkansas, the Pulaski County Humane Society or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. Monday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial will be in Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery. The Rosary will be held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday at North Little Rock Funeral Home with the visitation to follow from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Arrangements by North Little Rock Funeral Home a Smith family funeral home. Online obituary and guest registry at www.SmithFamilyCares.com.

Major G. Monaco

April 6, 1933 - February 7, 2013