Daniel Timothy Monroy's Obituary
Daniel Timothy Monroy was born on February 15, 1957, and passed away at Pali Momi Medical
Center on October 16, 2024, at the age of 67. Affectionately known as “Danny-Boy” and “Uncle D,” he was a passionate fisherman and a fourth-degree member of the Knights of Columbus who is
remembered by his family for his unwavering support, humor, and kindness.
Fishing was a big part of Danny’s life, a love that he’s passed along to succeeding generations.
He often packed a collapsible fishing pole in his work bag and would cast at the nearby canal
during lunch breaks. On a trip to the University of Notre Dame to visit his youngest daughter, he was stopped by security while fishing in St. Joseph’s Lake.
His nephews credit Danny with teaching them how to fish and instilling in them a love for the hobby.
“His love for fishing is why I love fishing,” said nephew Bryan Clay. “He taught me how to cast,
tie on lures, and create action with my rod. I remember pulling in papi’o and barracuda on a
Rapala lure. I still buy that same lure today.”
“Uncle Dan taught me everything from catching bait to rigging to cleaning and cooking fish,”
remembers nephew Kainoa Ishimoto. “His patience and enthusiasm made every moment special.”
Through fishing, Danny taught other life lessons too. “Uncle never got mad at me if I cast
into a tree,” said nephew Nikolas Clay. “I could make mistakes with him, and he’d just come
over, untangle my line and go back to fishing.”
“Uncle taught me how to drive,” said niece Mika Nazarro. “We would drive around Honolulu
Community College and Kapalama Canal. It’s what got me comfortable driving.”
“Uncle is a big reason I was able to navigate the pain I was going through when my parents
got divorced,” remembers Nikolas. “He’d see me when I was crying, and he’d take me fishing.
Things that I wanted to do with my dad, I got to do with him.”
Danny is also remembered for showing up and supporting his family. “Through all of my
school activities and extracurriculars, my dad was there for me,” said youngest daughter
Tiffany Jonick. “He checked my math homework and practically did my science projects.
When I danced ballet, he helped backstage year after year, with the sets, props, and sound.
When I chaired my high school’s winter ball he helped build winter wonderland scenes
from a gingerbread house to a swan-themed carriage.” “He’d come out to my marching band performances and theater shows. He was always there to support me,” said Nazarro.
“I had begun ballroom dancing, and my first performance was scheduled. I had a few tickets
and let Dad know I’d save one for him,” remembers eldest daughter Thelia Monroy. “I didn’t
think he would show up because of the late hours, but to my pleasant surprise, he arrived early
dressed sharply in a suit. I was even more surprised when he asked me to dance a waltz
with him! We had a great time that evening. Now I know from whom I inherited my dancing genes!”
Danny’s family describes him as a grown-up kid, a happy-go-lucky person who wanted to have
fun. He was the family comedian who enjoyed the Three Stooges, making up his own songs,
setting off fireworks, and making people laugh. “Even something as simple as shaking our hands,
he made it fun,” remembers Nikolas. “He’d squeeze our hands and we’d have to say ‘Unkel’ in
a certain way.” Danny was a fourth-degree member of Our Lady of Sorrows Knights of Columbus.
In his youth he served as an altar boy and in his later years he was involved in the Lazarus
society. He often opened the church in the mornings with his mother, helped with church repairs,
distributed food to the homeless, and helped serve Mass.
Danny had a diverse set of interests and hobbies. He was a member of his high school track
team and ran the Honolulu Marathon. He was also an elite skater with the Local Ohana Skate
Team who participated in local parades and races. His love for science fiction, particularly the
"Dune" series, sparked Nazarro and Jonick’s enthusiasm for the series and genre.
Danny is remembered as a hard worker. For many years he worked two eight-hour jobs,
back-to-back: day shifts at WestPac Movers and night shifts at Bank of Hawaii. For most of
his career, Danny worked at Bank of Hawaii in the sorting room.
Danny attended Our Lady of Sorrows School and later Lelehua High School. Despite his
struggles with addiction, Danny will be lovingly remembered by his family who will cherish
the lessons, memories, and laughter shared with him. Danny is survived by his mother, Sadie;
three children: Timothy, Thelia, and Tiffany; grandchildren: Peyton, Eden, Augustine, Aria, and
Tabitha; siblings: Daryl, Darlene, Douglas, and David; and many nephews and nieces.
What’s your fondest memory of Daniel?
What’s a lesson you learned from Daniel?
Share a story where Daniel's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Daniel you’ll never forget.
How did Daniel make you smile?