Norman J. Monks, Jr.

Norman Joseph Monks Jr., 90, of East Greenwich, RI passed away suddenly but peacefully at home Wednesday. Better known to all as “Coach”, he was the devoted husband of Shirley (Littlefield) Monks, they celebrated 67 years of marriage. Born in Worcester MA, he was the son of the late Beatrice Haycock Monks and the late Norman Monks Sr.
Norman was a Sgt.in the U.S Army during World War II and the Reserves with the Army counter-intelligence during the Korean War. President of the National Boys High-Y Federation and Vice President of the YMCA officer’s convention of RI/MA during high school. He attended Worcester South High School and began breaking records in track and field and cross country earning a scholarship to Amherst College. After 1 year at Amherst he was offered a full scholarship to Rhode Island State College (University of Rhode Island), where as Co-Captain he led his team to the track and field national championships in 1948, New England Champs and undefeated all three years. He was also a member of the team that holds the lowest cross country score ever in the history of New England, 16. He ran in the 1948 Olympic trials in Stanford, unfortunately, missing the top three but added as an alternate to the Olympic track team. Monks was the captain of both the track and cross country teams.
Although he has a list of individual accomplishments perhaps his proudest moments were on the sidelines. Right out of college he began coaching for three years at Worcester Junior College Basketball team, compiling a record of 75-15. He took his team to the final four of the NCAA junior college tournament in 1951, in that same year he ran the Boston Marathon.
Before going into teaching, he was the general manager and then owner of WC Littlefield Lincoln Mercury in East Greenwich. During this time he served two terms as President of the EG Chamber of Commerce, when Bostich returned to EG. He is a past member of the EG Yatch Club and The Dunes Club in Narraganset. He was also on the Vestry at St Lukes Episcolpal Church.
He coached East Greenwich high school freshman football, cross country, track and field and jr. high basketball at Cole, leading them to 5 state championships. He brought the cross country program to East Greenwich Junior High and was the first coach to take EG High School to the New England championships. Upon their first trip to the New England Finals, they also took home the championship, beating the heavily favored Hendricken team. He was a legend in the East Greenwich Community; as a teacher and coach in the East Greenwich school system for over 30 years where he earned his nickname “Stormin Norman”. He is an inductee in the East Greenwich Hall of Fame and RI Track Coach Hall of Fame for his many accomplishments and devotion to the youth of East Greenwich. He will be remembered for his dedication, humor and his constant presence around town.
In his retirement he became a national official for track and field and cross country and spent time with his family running their family business, Dapper Dan Farm. He also stepped in to aid the Toll Gate Girls Indoor track team when he heard they were in need of an assistant coach. Norman was a member of the Rhode Island Horseman’s Association and the New England Horsemen’s Council for over 50 years. He managed horse shows at the farm for 42 years. He did Horse Show Night Watch at shows from New England to Wellington, Fl and in 1996 he was asked to join the night watch for the US Equestrian Team at the Olympics in Atlanta.
Norman was the proud father to Diane and Bethany. Alongside his wife, Shirley, they were dedicated to their daughters’ interest in equestrian sports when they were young and continued to help them accomplish many individual state, New England, and national awards. They opened Dapper Dan Farm originally of East Greenwich RI which now resides in Warwick, RI. It was there that Norman supported and encouraged countless young riders, always welcoming others to his farm with a handshake and a new joke. His legendary stories will live on at Dapper Dan Farm.
He was the brother of the late Frederick Monks and is survived by his wife Shirley Monks, daughter Diane Monks McDonald and her husband Daniel McDonald Sr., his daughter Bethany Monks Bentsen and her husband Brent Bentsen. His four grandchildren, Rebecca (McDonald) Haders and her husband Andrew Haders, Ashley McDonald-Beye and her husband Doug Beye, Daniel McDonald Jr. and his fiancé Lisa Fellela, and Reid Bentsen. Two great granddaughters Ava and Alice Haders. He also leaves behind his beloved nephew, who was more like a son, Frederick Monks ; as well as many other nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
A celebration of his life will be held Tuesday, November 29th at 11:00am at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 99 Peirce St. East Greenwich. Burial will be private. Calling hours: Monday November 28th 3-7pm at the Hill Funeral Home 822 Main St., East Greenwich. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Luke’s Church.