Thomas Monaghan Jr. (Tommy), 88 of Belfast, North Ireland and Ludington, MI passed away on August 22, 2016 surrounded by his loving family.

Tommy married the love of his life, Rita McWilliams on August 23, 1948 in Belfast.

They were blessed with 5 children, Colette (Sam) Vargas, Margurite (Clay) Olmstead, Maureen (Chris) Blumquist, Tom Monaghan III and Martine Monaghan. Tommy was predeceased by his wife Rita and daughter Martine Monaghan.

Tommy began his lifelong career of sailing by going to sea at age 14 in 1942. He served in the Merchant Marine and sailed to many great ports in the world.

His loving sister Peggy Williams settled in Ludington and told Tommy of the great carferry fleet operating out of Ludington. Tommy, with his vast sailing experience, was hired by the C&O Railway Company and worked on the carferries as Chief Steward retiring in 1990.

Tommy loved his family, friends, Ireland, the USA, boxing, soccer, dancing and singing. He loved to watch boxing and on occasion had to apply his skills personally. He wouldn’t start anything but he always ended it. He cherished his many fine Irish friends including Charlie, Teddy, Ellen, Eamon and Patsy to name a few.

He is survived by his children, 2 sisters (Marie & Noreen), grandchildren Brandie (Ben), Shawn, Josh (Nio), Ian (Nicki), Thomas, Mike, Ashley (Bill), Corinne (Tim), and Siobhan and 7 great grandchildren.

Tommy’s funeral mass will be celebrated on Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 1:00PM at St. Simon Catholic Church with Father Wayne Wheeler officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00PM until the time of service. Tommy will be laid to rest next to his wife and daughter Martine in Lakeview Cemetery of Ludington, MI.

Please feel free to share a photo or memory with Thomas’ family on his personal page at www.oakgrovefh.com. The family has entrusted arrangements with Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.