Joseph Patrick Monks, Jr.

Joseph Patrick Monks, Jr. (known professionally as Joseph M. Monks), 55, a resident of Cape Coral, FL for the past 15 years, passed away unexpectedly at home Saturday, August 19, 2023. Joe was born February 21, 1968, in Queens, NY, and grew up on Long Island, eventually moving to Miami, FL.

An accomplished writer, editor, publisher and debater, Joe was an extraordinarily loyal friend and always stood up for what was right. He did not mince words and felt everyone should speak freely. Joe was an advocate for dogs, frequently encouraging people to “adopt don’t shop.” Lending support to many people, whether he knew them or not, he also held the strong belief that we all need to take care of each other.

Joe lived by his quote, “Just because a door appears closed, that doesn’t mean it’s locked.” And, after losing his sight in 2002, he wrote and directed a feature film, being the first (and currently only) blind person to do so, for which he received an Achievement in Cinema Award at the Gasparilla International Film Festival. He was unfettered about his disability and continued to write and publish stories and comic books, and a full-length novel. More impressively, he took up guitar, and occasionally played on stage with fellow SWFL musicians (one time fully dressed as Yeti).

Uniquely witty, Joe could keep folks laughing for hours. His family and friends knew him as a horror fiend who kept a real casket for filming and for Halloween, where he would cheerfully lay inside to scare the bejesus out of kids and adults alike.

He is survived by his loving wife Pamela Hazelton; faithful furry friends, Midnight, Mouse, and Paws; mother, Nilda Monks of North Fort Myers, FL; sister, Kathleen Manta of Cape Coral; best friend, Billy Martindale of Cape Coral; nephews, Christopher Manta, James Manta, Josh Burton (Noel), and Seth Stephenson; as well as niece, Dené Stephenson (Jon Martin). Joseph was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Patrick Monks, Sr.

The family will be receiving friends for a time of visitation from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Thursday, August 24, 2023 at Mullins Memorial, 1056 NE 7th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33909.

There will be a Celebration of Joe’s Life from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM on Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Back Streets Sports Bar, 915 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33904.

Memorial Contributions in memory of Joe Monks may be made to Brooke's Legacy Animal Rescue, PO Box 990255, Naples, FL 34116, via paypal.me/blar1234, via Venmo brookeslegacy-animalrescue, or via info@brookeslegacyanimalrescue.org.

Mullins Memorial Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Cape Coral, is entrusted with final care.