Born in Eddystone, Pennsylvania, Dan J. Monagle is a first generation Irish American. His father came from Malin Head, Co. Donegal; his mother, a McKeon, was from Caurrane, Co. Mayo.

Dan received a BS from Mt. St. Mary’s College, a MS from Duquesne University, and a Ph.D. from the University of Delaware. A chemist by education, he retired in March of 1995 after thirty-five years with Hercules Inc., the last twenty-seven years he held various research management positions including at various times being a manager of two research divisions and a director of technology.

His wife, Mary McHugh, was born in Pennsauken, New Jersey. They are the proud parents of three boys and three girls and, "at the moment," grandparents of nine.

For thirty-six years one of his hobbies was officiating football games including twenty-three years at the collegiate level. He describes his golf game as "flog, golf backwards." He also enjoys surf fishing and "watching the grand kids play ball."