Michael Joseph "Mitch" Monseur

Michael Joseph Monseur, long-time resident of Centerville, and recently of Kettering, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2018, after a brief illness. Born in Wheeling, West Virginia on June 15, 1933, to Joseph and Kazna (Elias) Monseur, Michael (“Mitch”) was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Ann Monseur; infant daughter Mary Ellen; parents, brother Anthony Monseur, and sister Dolores Palotay. He leaves his six children Dolores Monseur, Michael Monseur, Judith Monseur, Mary jo Berlon (Kevin Berlon); Janet Monseur-Durr (David Durr), and David Monseur (Michael Oddo); five grandchildren, Christina Stropes (Steve Stropes), David Janning (Amanda Janning), Renee Berlon, Allyson Richer (Dave Richer), and Anna Berlon; six great-grandchildren, Sophia Stropes, Benjamin Stropes, Noah Richer, Myles Richer, Daniel Janning, and Abigail Janning. He is also survived by his brother Edmund Monseur and sisters-in-law Jeannette Baron; Sister Mary Bowman; brother-in-law Charles Bowman; and a host of nieces and nephews. Michael attended Central Catholic High School, where he excelled in science and math. Upon graduation in 1951, he went directly into the US Army for two years. Upon discharge, he attended West Virginia University. Two years later, when his father passed away, Michael returned to Wheeling to work and attended West Liberty State University. During this time, he married Mary Ann Bowman, his high school sweetheart and began his career at Revco Drug, initially as a store manager, and was promoted to district manager, which brought him to Centerville in 1967. He remained with Revco until 1987. Not content with retiring, Michael held several other jobs following his retirement, including co-owner of M & M Catering. Most recently he had been employed as a Prayer Line Administrator for Franciscan Media. Michael’s devotion to family and church was unparalleled and inseparable. He was a founding member of St. Francis of Assisi Parish and its original folk group, which began in 1968 as part of St. Leonard Seminary. A self-taught guitarist, Michael taught all his children how to play guitar and all served alongside Michael in the folk group for many years. He also composed liturgical music, with his original composition of the Lord’s Prayer becoming a beloved tradition of St. Francis Parish. Michael volunteered in many other capacities as well, serving as Eucharistic minister, a member of the St. Francis Men’s Group, and a founding member of the Secular Franciscan order, for which he served in the role as prefect and secretary. His commitment to serving the needs of others was recognized by the Cardinal Bernardin Community Service Award he and Mary Ann received in 2011. Michael was proud to be first generation Lebanese and passed his love of culture and tradition on to his family. Michael did not need a special occasion to extend his hospitality, as he celebrated his love and friendship with others by sharing stories, laughter, and Lebanese food. Never one to take himself too seriously, Michael’s unique brand of humor was notorious. Known for his graciousness and genuine warmth toward everyone, Michael’s desire to make others feel welcome was exemplified by the “shalom” mosaic that held its place on the front door of the family home for decades. A life celebration visitation will be held Tuesday March 27th from 5-7 pm at Conner & Koch Life Celebration Home, 92 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook, followed by a vigil service at 7:00 pm. A second visitation will be held on Wednesday, March 28th from 9:30-10:00 am at St. Francis of Assisi Parish, 6245 Wilmington Pike, Centerville, followed by prayers at 10:00 am and a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 am. Interment services will be at Calvary Cemetery, Dayton. A luncheon will follow at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. You may sign Michael’s Book of Memories or send a condolence to the family at www.ConnerandKoch.com by clicking on his name. The family offers a special thanks to his long-time physicians, Dr. Nancy Liu and Dr. Ziwar Karabatak, who showed him the best of care for many years. We are also grateful to the extended family at One Lincoln Park who made Michael feel so welcome during his residence there this past year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Service Dogs; American Diabetes Association; or the Dayton Food Bank. Envelopes are available from the funeral home.

Michael Joseph "Mitch" Monseur

June 15, 1933 - March 25, 2018