Joel Matthew Monaghan passed away August 11, 2017 in his home in Phoenix, AZ. He will be deeply missed by Nancy Soppeland Hossack, his mother; Michael Beard, his brother; Marisa Monaghan, his wife of many years, Matthew Monaghan, his son, Brianna and Alyssa Monaghan, his daughters, as well as his uncles Donald Monaghan and Steve Soppeland, cousins, .... Joel's greatest legacy and joy were his children. He delighted in them, shaped his life around them and found purpose in being their father. Most all of his conversations with the rest of his family centered on stories of his children, their adventures and accomplishments. His love for his children radiated in all he did. He sought out opportunities to help them grow and develop. For years he was a "Karate Dad," driving the kids to and from classes and making sure they practiced at home. He reinforced at home the values they were learning in their classes, eventually even taking karate classes himself. Family vacations were organized around tournaments and other wholesome activities that he believed his kids would enjoy and that would provide them with the foundation they would need in life. He brought home his love of food and cooking to share with his family. An accomplished professional chef, he took pleasure and pride in providing his family with the best of the best in food. He often sang in the kitchen. While raising his children, Joel ran a catering business. He learned his art, however, in the kitchens of fine restaurants in Phoenix, AZ, Salt Lake City, Utah, and Des Moines, Iowa. He is remembered by his colleagues for his professionalism, skill and artistry. Joel valued time with his parents and brother as well. He suggested and planned activities with them that he believed they would enjoy. He organized trips with his dad to concerts, amusement parks and drag races. He took the trip of a lifetime to Hawaii with his mother and brother. A celebration service of Joel’s life will be on Saturday, August 19, 2017 from 1 to 4pm at 18030 Nth 7th St., Phoenix, AZ 85022. He joins his father Jerald Monaghan, his grandparents John and Verna Monaghan and Hilmer and Juanita Soppeland, his uncle Michael Monaghan, his stepfather, Paul Hossack, and his aunt Sharon Punelli in Heaven.