Edward J. Monko, 81, of Wilkes-Barre, passed away on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at Allied Services Hospice in Wilkes-Barre, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born in Wilkes-Barre, the son of Joseph and Josephine Monko. Ed was a 1962 graduate of Coughlin High School. He served as an Army veteran, during the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, Ed was employed for many years as a press operator at Suburban Publishers and later at Panel Prints. He was a member of St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish in Wilkes-Barre.

Ed had a great love of trains and he was an enthusiastic collector of model trains.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Eleanor Kropcho.

Ed is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Shirley Kurkoski Monko and by his children, Karen Monko Nagle and her husband, David Nagle, West Pittston, Kevin Monko and his wife, Tara. Shavertown, and David Monko, Springfield, Massachusetts; grandchildren, Carlee Monko and Jacob Monko and his fiancé, Alaina Hartzell.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2025, at 10 am in St. Nicholas-St. Mary Parish, 226 S. Washington Street, Wilkes-Barre. A visitation for family and friends will be held in the Church prior to the Mass from 9-10 am. Those attending the Mass and visitation are asked to go directly to the Church.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Nat Gawlas Jordan Funeral Home, 89 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre.