Lawrence A. Monaco, Jr. · 1985 Honoree

Larry Monaco takes pride in being one of those rare persons who may be referred to as a “Native Washingtonian”. He attended Maury Elementary School on Capitol Hill and remembers playing in Lincoln Park as a very young child. Mr. Monaco graduated from Bladensburg Senior High School and Princeton University. Larry and his wife, Grace, both received their J.D. Degrees from Georgetown University in 1963 and were admitted to the Bar in 1964.

Following law school, Larry attended the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s School and went on to serve as a member of the Advocate General’s Corps. He currently holds the office of Senior Counsel, Office of Law Revision Counsel for the U.S. House of Representatives.

With all his honors and responsibilities, Larry never found the Capitol Hill community too small for him. He is best known for his work with The Capitol Hill Restoration Society which, since its inception in 1955, has become the single most influential group on Capitol Hill, and one largely responsible for the superb quality of life that now exists in our extended neighborhood. Larry joined the group in 1969 and has remained active to this day. He has held the offices of Treasurer, Chairman of the Zoning Committee and is now in his second term as President of the Society.

Through the efforts of people like Larry Monaco, the dream of Pierre L'Enfant for our park-laced residential community remains alive. Larry considers among his greatest accomplishments the defeat of zoning for the 14th and Potomac Avenue proposed high rise, the saving of the two blocks between 3rd and 4th Streets between Independence Avenue and East Capitol Street (historic St. Mark’s Church falls within these boundaries), and his work on the House of Representatives Master Plan which saved many of our homes and businesses.

Mr. Monaco’s achievements read on: He was among the founding parents of the internationally prominent Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation. He has labored long and hard for the Kiwanis Club of Capitol Hill as its past President and current Secretary. Many unselfish hours are given to the most successful Soccer on the Hill program. Larry is an active parishioner of St. Peter’s Church.

A good father, an exemplary citizen, a successful professional and true gentleman in every sense of the word is this favorite son of Capitol Hill. Just how he and his wife, Grace, manage to be so much to so many, and do it from the same household, defies comprehension.