Franklin E. "Sonny" Monroe

March 9, 1941 — December 30, 2019

Franklin E. "Sonny" Monroe, 78, a resident of Park Street in North Bennington died Monday December 30, 2019 at his residence following a long illness.

He was born at Putnam Memorial Hospital in Bennington, Vermont March 9, 1941. He was the son of the late Franklin L. and Helen Mae (Potter) Monroe. He received his education in North Bennington and was a 1960 graduate of North Bennington High School.

While a sophomore in high school, Sonny worked at the Vermont Restaurant making pizzas, and by the time he graduated he was doing the ordering and working full time at the restaurant. When the restaurant closed, Sonny started working at the Blue Benn Diner which he and his wife Mary Lou purchased on Christmas Eve in 1973 and still own and operate today.

Sonny loved to be creative in the kitchen and was always trying new recipes. He loved to travel and explore every place he went. He loved gardening, always having beautiful vegetable and flower gardens around his home. His family was his pride and joy and he was so proud of his accomplishments at the Blue Benn Diner.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years, the former Mary Lou Roy, whom he married September 8, 1962. His daughter Lisa LaFlamme and her husband Bill, two grandsons Matheson and Marcus LaFlamme who were the light of his life. A sister, Pat (Ernest) Shepard and a brother Gary (Pamela) Monroe. A brother in law, Bill Roy and a sister in law Sandra Mockry along with several nieces and nephews.

Friends may call at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Friday January 3, 2020 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m.

A memorial service will be held at the Mahar and Son Funeral Home on Saturday January 4, 2020 at noon.

If friends desire contributions in memory of Franklin E. "Sonny" Monroe can be made to either the Bennington Free Library, the North Bennington Library, the Second Chance Animal Shelter or the Bennington Rescue Squad through the office of the Mahar and Son Funeral Home 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201. Guest book condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.

The family would like to express their deepest thanks to the staff of At Home Senior Care and the Bayada Hospice nurses and team for the wonderful care and compassion that they provided to Sonny and his family.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Franklin E. "Sonny" Monroe, please visit our flower store.

Send a Card

Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Friday, January 3, 2020

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home

628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201

Get Directions Plant Trees

Memorial Service

Saturday, January 4, 2020

Starts at 12:00 pm (Eastern time)