Gregory Marshall Joseph Monaghan aged 69, died peacefully at home in Suffolk after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Sheffield and left home at the age of 17 to study Aero-engineering at Loughborough University. Whilst there he joined the University Air Squadron. On leaving University he signed up to the RAF for 16 years as a Commissioned Officer. He trained as a pilot, firstly on the Bulldog, then the Jet Provost then the Hawk. Once he was qualified he joined 41 Sqn at RAF Coltishall on the Jaguar -his favourite aeroplane - then moved to the Tornado on 2 Sqn at RAF Laarbruck and finally 13 Sqn at RAF Honington. These were all reconisance squadrons. In 1991 he took TIALD into the Gulf War flying sorties every three nights. Greg finished his RAF career as Standards Evaluation Officer at RAF Marham. He loved being part of the RAF and he loved his job. He was a first class pilot.
The second half of his flying career was spent as an Airline Pilot with Cathay Pacific. During that time he flew the Boeing 747 and the 777 all around the Far East.
He retired in 2011 following a heart attack. He had several hobbies over the years including: making and flying model aircraft, paragliding, para-motoring, gliding, fishing, and finally in the last years of his life he took up beekeeping.
He leaves behind his wife Sue of 44 years, his daughters Laura and Katie, his son David and three grandchildren; Charlie, Rosa and Cleo.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Please send us a message if you intend on coming to the funeral. Also share with anyone you know that might like to come.
We have chosen St Nicolas Hospice for donations as they cared so wonderfully for Greg, at home, during his final days.
There will be a live stream available for anyone not able to attend. The link will be shared 2-3 days before the funeral. If you like the link please let Sue know.
Service
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 9th September 2026, 11:00am
ADDRESS
West Suffolk Crematorium, Risby, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6RR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
St Edmunds Chapel
Committal
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 9th September 2026, 12:20pm
ADDRESS
West Suffolk Crematorium, Risby, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP28 6RR
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
St Edmunds Chapel
Reception
DATE AND TIME
Wednesday 9th September 2026, 12:30pm
ADDRESS
The Athenaeum, Athenaeum Lane, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1LU
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Park at Ram Meadow car park and walk through the Abbey Gardens.
If arrangements change
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