John Philip Monje

John P. Monje

Wolcott/Newark—John Philip Monje, 68, died Saturday (May 18, 2019) at Newark-Wayne Community Hospital with his family by his side.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 8^th starts at 2 pm at the Newark Elks Club, 233 South Main Street, Newark.

Memorials, in his name may be made to the Derby Hill Bird Observatory, PO Box 620, Syracuse, New York 13201.

John was born on October 8, 1950 in Newark, the son of Richard and Joyce Stripp Monje. Known in the Catskills as “Dutch”, he worked for sister's Tulikivi business, Mountain Flame of Margaretville, New York for thirty years, with his nephew Jake, as a soapstone fireplace builder. He was known locally as “RayDarr on Guitar” with Chuck Rocker and the Dirt Bombs. He continued his music adventures in the Catskills with “The Blues Maneuver Band”. John 's greatest passions were bird-watching, fishing and nature photography.

John is survived by his loving wife Lynette Hope (Miller) Monje, daughter Cassana Monje and grandson Aza Thorne of Asheville, NC; sisters Sharon (Joseph Lawson) Monje of Prattsburgh, Marcia (Brian) Olenych of Bovina Center, and Jennifer (John) Hurlburt of Newark; his nephew and good friend Jake (Jess) Olenych of Arkville, New York; as well as many other nieces and nephews; he will be missed by many friends. John was predeceased by his parents, his nephew Noah Olenych and his beloved canine friend, Noodle.

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