William Monkarsh

Obituary

MONKARSH, William “Bill” Monkarsh, 1937-2024 (STAR OF DAVID EMBLEM) William “Bill” Monkarsh, a cherished father, proud grandfather, and esteemed sports coach, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2024, with his sons at his bedside, at the age of 86. Bill was a loving father to Rick (Sheila) and Mark, and a proud grandfather to Jacob, Julia, Jenna, Kendall, and William Monkarsh. His grandkids meant the world to him and he loved spending time with them and watching them compete in various activities over the years. Bill is further survived by his sister, Leah Levinsky, sister in law, Lynn Monkarsh, nieces Barbara Levinsky, Sharan (Richard) Schwartz, Abby (Eric) Randolph, Dana (Tom) O’Brien, nephew, David (Mindy) Monkarsh along with several greatnieces/nephews, family members, many former players and countless friends. Bill was proceeded in death by his loving parents, Jacob and Jeanette Monkarsh, his dear brother, Ralph Monkarsh and his brother in law, Howard Levinsky. Born in Niagara Falls, NY, Bill was raised in Buffalo, where he attended Bennett HS, excelled in various sports and made lifelong friends. Bill earned his undergrad degree at The University at Buffalo, where his athletic talents led him to being drafted into the LA Dodgers organization as a catcher. Following his baseball career, Bill furthered his academic and professional journey by earning his masters degree from UB, where he then worked as a teacher/coach until his retirement. Bill started his coaching career with The University at Buffalo basketball team. He then made a significant impact as the head coach of The University at Buffalo baseball team from 1968-81, during which he led his team to many titles and had over 20 of his players drafted into professional baseball. Later, Bill served as the head coach of the UB men’s tennis team from 1983-93, earning several titles and continuing his legacy of dedication and mentorship in sports. Bill was inducted into the Bennett high school sports Hall of Fame, the Buffalo Tennis Hall of Fame as well as the Western New York Baseball Hall of Fame. Bill’s legacy of love, sportsmanship, and mentorship will continue to inspire those who knew him. Rest in peace, “Coach”; your memory will forever be cherished. Please join us for a memorial service on Sunday, August 11, at 1pm at the AMHERST MEMORIAL CHAPEL, 281 Dodge Rd Getzville, NY 14068 No prior visitations. A private, family burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider gifts in memory of Bill to either the Dementia Society of America https://www.dementiasociety.org/donate or to the University at Buffalo Intercollegiate Athletic Fund Intercollegiate Athletic Fund - Giving to UB - University at Buffalo https://www.buffalo.edu/giving/find-your-cause/international-education.host.html/content/shared/www/giving/funds/athletics/Intercollegiate-Athletic-Fund.detail.html
. The family would like to extend special, heartfelt thanks to the staff and aides of Aegis of Moraga, CA for their tirele ss, compassionate care over the past 6 years. We also express our utmost gratitude to Bill’s caregiver, Eiron, for the unwavering, exceptional companionship, friendship, support and kindness shown to Bill.