Monan (J. Donald) is born in Blasell, New York.

Donald Monan graduates from Woodstock College, studies in Europe, teaches at St. Peter’s College, and comes to Boston to serve as president of Boston College (1972-96). During his tenure, the school is transformed from a commuter school into one of the three major Catholic universities in the U.S. (with Georgetown and Notre Dame), and Monan plays an important, albeit behind-the-scenes role in civic life. Thomas O’Connor later notes, “He moves like a ghost . . . very low key, very quiet . . . yet a very important presence in the city.” Monan dies in Weston on March 18, 2017, and is buried in Weston.