Michael Monachino

Michael Monachino passed away peacefully on December 6, 2023, at  the age of 80.  He was surrounded by his loving family in Rancho Mirage, California.

"Mike" was born on October 13, 1943, in Passaic, New Jersey, to Mary and Michael Monachino. He graduated from New York Institute of Technology with a degree in electrical engineering and joined IBM in Poughkeepsie, NY.  He spent his whole career at IBM, starting in 1963 and rising rapidly through the ranks and eventually becoming one of highest senior executives at the company when in 1997 he retired as the head of Asia IBM.

After retirement, Mike exhbited many talents and passions beyond engineering. He started a construction company in Canada specializing in repurposing old warehouses into residential apartments. He resurected his love of the arts and began painting, exhbiting his artwork at several local galleries. Mike also engaged in the desert community he loved, volunteering his time in many local non profit organizations. He was especially proud of the work he did with CVRep, where he helped design and oversee the construction of its new theatere where he served as President of the Board. He also served on the board of numerous other non-profits, including Act for MS (Mulitple Sclerosis) and the Joslyn Center, supporting the basic needs of our senior citizens. Mike further served on the College of the Desert Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, which assured fiscal oversight of the college's edcuation dollars.  If there was a project or task to undertake, Mike would be there and take it head on.  

Mike was a devoted father to his three children Phyllis, Mark and David. Mark and David are lawayers and Phyllis, the "do gooder" in the famliy is employed in hospice care, which was invaluable to the family at the end. Mike was proud grandfather to Chanel and Taylor and his great grandchildren Bianca and Gianna. He was madly in love with his wife of 25 years, Barbara, who was his best friend and soulmate. They spent time traveling the world and St. Barts was their favorite destination. Art, culture, new friends, and the diversity for life fed Barb's and Mike's desire for travel, buying artwork on the way. And who will ever forget his fantastic Santa Claus collection, which he proudly displayed every Christmas.

Mike will be deeply missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him.  He was a passionate person who touched many lives with his wisdom, humor and grace.

Mike resided in Rancho Mirage, CA at the time of his passing. Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, CA.