Joseph Monninger (Burkina Faso 1975–77) Has Died at 71

The author of more than 30 books, many for children and young adults, has died at 71.

Joseph Monninger (Burkina Faso 1975–77) published several award-winning young adult novels and three books of nonfiction, including the memoir Home Waters. He has been awarded two National Endowment for the Arts fellowships and was the winner of Peace Corps Worldwide 2021 Short Stories Award for Baby.

Monninger first started publishing books in the early 1980s, after serving in Burkina Faso. His early works include The Family Man, The Summer Hunt, and New Jersey.

He later turned his attention to books for younger readers, including Baby, Hippie Chick, Wish, and Finding Somewhere, and to works of nonfiction, such as Home Waters: Fishing With an Old Friend, A Barn in New England: Making a Home on Three Acres, and Two Ton: One Fight, One Night: Tony Galento v. Joe Louis.

In 2021, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. In 2023, he wrote about his diagnosis in a memoir, Goodbye to Clocks Ticking: How We Live While Dying.

“Goodbye to Clocks Ticking drove home for me the simple fact that we are all dying, every minute of every day, in ways that have enriched my existence immeasurably,” Steerforth Press senior editor Chip Fleischer said in a statement. “I will be forever grateful for his example, and for his friendship.”

This message from his son, Justin:

Hello Friends, Family, and Loved Ones,

Joe passed away on January 1st at around 11 p.m. For those of you familiar with Joe’s diagnosis, his journey, and his overall outlook on life, you will find comfort in knowing that Joe did not suffer and that his final days were not drawn out or arduous for him or his support network. His faithful hound, Juliet, was next to him. He was peaceful and with his loved ones at the end of an incredible and full life.

Joe entered hospice care earlier this week as his appetite and mobility began to wane. If you are one of the friends or family members who spoke with Joe within the last week or so, you may be surprised by the speed with which his final days came upon us; to be honest, we were, too. We’ve been assured by the doctors and nurses that a timeline like this is often seen with patients whose bodies and minds are prepared to accept their end. In the short time we’ve had to process this, we’ve come to agree that it was the best possible outcome for Joe. He was not infirm or uncomfortable for long, and we think he would be proud of the level of dignity and resoluteness with which he passed.

Joe was a man who built his life around the written word, and I think that can be a sanctuary for many of us now. I encourage you to revisit his books and stories. Joe often reminded people that he was lucky because, through writing, he could live life twice. You’ll find elements of the special things you shared with Joe contained within his writing. The experiences, support, and friendship you all gave him allowed him to create those stories; you’ll always share them with him.

Please forward this email to anyone who might benefit, and please know that you are all in our thoughts. We will do our best to respond to messages and update you all about a memorial service. In lieu of flowers or other well intentioned gifts, we think Joe would appreciate a small donation to your local Humane Society or local library. For now, please have a wonderful start to 2025 and keep Joe close to your heart.

With love,

-Justin

Joseph Monninger obituary in The Westfield Leader

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