Obituaries

Robert A. Monson

Photo of Robert A. Monson
Robert Allan Monson, 76, of Alexandria, Va., died while sleeping at his home on Thursday May 22, 2014. The cause of death was gastric cancer. He was born in Kane, Pa., on April 2, 1938, the son of Virginia Deems and Captain Charles Monson, a decorated soldier killed in action in the Battle of the Bulge during WWll. His early years were spent in Herman, Pa., at St. Fidelis College and Seminary where he studied to become a Catholic priest. There as a young Capuchin friar, he dedicated himself to the study of philosophy and Latin, as well as foreign languages which would serve him well in later years. Deciding to forgo a religious vocation, he pursued higher education entering Georgetown University and the School of Foreign Service where he earned his doctorate of philosophy in political sciences. The next 20 years of his life would be spent as a professor of political science at the University of Arkansas, where he raised his three surviving children, Ingrid Hunter of Dallas, Texas, Karen Monson of Fayetteville, Ark., and Robert Monson of Zurich, Switzerland. Upon leaving academia, he began a distinguished 20-year career with the CIA as an intelligence analyst, which would see him work in Bonn and Berlin, Germany, before and after the fall of the Berlin Wall and during its subsequent unification, in Ireland during the sectarian unrest of the Troubles, and finally after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the U.S., as a liaison with the Department of Transportation. The CIA has cited his unique ability to seamlessly work across a variety of departments sharing his analytical insight with others as well as for professional actions which greatly contributed to enhanced security after Sept. 11. After retiring in 2010, he would continue traveling, learning languages, teaching and mentoring others while bringing them up to speed in their respective careers. He was an avid football fan, especially of the Pittsburgh Steelers, his hometown team. Those who knew him will remember a caring and sensitive father, friend and colleague whose wit, charm and humor made friends easily. A lifelong learner, Robert was always striving to deepen his understanding of the world, while taking every opportunity to teach and counsel others. Faithful to his religious upbringing, he was a modest man of simple needs, devoting himself to improving the human condition as a teacher, diplomat and humanitarian. He is dearly loved and will be sorely missed by friends and family. Memorial services were held on Thursday, May 29, at Demaine Funeral Home in Old Town Alexandria and a funeral mass was held on Friday, May 30, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Old Town Alexandria.

Published June 8, 2014

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