Danno “Dan” R. Monahan, Ph.D., age 85, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2026. Born on August 6, 1941, in St. Louis to Richard and Leona Monahan, Dan was a lifelong scholar, educator, athlete, and avid reader.
He earned his B.S. from Washington University in 1964, a pivotal time where he not only played college football but also met his future wife, Judy. He followed this with an M.S. from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1967, and a Ph.D. in History and Education from St. Louis University in 1972. Dan spent his career bringing the past to life for his students, focusing on World and U.S. History, particularly AP U.S. History. He taught for 25 years at St. Louis University High School (SLUH), having previously taught at Riverview Gardens High School (1966–1980) and Hancock High School (1964–1966). His dedication to his students extended well beyond the classroom, as he also spent years shaping young athletes as a high school wrestling, football, and basketball coach.
Known for his very dry sense of humor, Dan was passionately devoted to reading. He consumed history, current affairs, politics, science fiction, and fiction right up until his passing. His love for literature extended to others through his lifelong habit of donating books to various libraries and organizations. Drawing on historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill, Dan constantly wove the past into daily life to teach the value of tenacity. He instilled a core belief in grit—the understanding that success is rarely a straight line, and that setbacks are merely chapters you fight through to get to where you want to be.
He leaves behind a legacy of resilience, intellectual curiosity, and quiet strength. Dan is survived by his beloved wife of 59 years, Judy; his son, Derrick, and his wife, Melinda; his daughter, Christina; his brother, Kevin, and his wife, Debbie; and his cherished grandchildren, Olivia and Mackenzie. He is also survived by a host of loving nephews, cousins, and close friends. He was preceded in death by his sister, Maureen, and his parents, Richard and Leona.
The family will honor Dan’s memory with a private Celebration of Life at his favorite restaurant.
Because of his profound love for reading and education, the family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the St. Louis County Library Foundation. Donations can be made via their online Make a Gift portal, or checks made payable to the St. Louis County Library Foundation can be mailed to:
St. Louis County Library Foundation 1412 S. Spoede Rd. St. Louis, MO 63131