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Thomas McManus
Thomas McManus, humanitarian, philosopher and lover of history, died in his home in Asbury Park, New Jersey, on June 25. He was 67.
Beloved by many, according to his family, he inspired those dear friends and family with his beautiful mind and open heart.
He graduated from Southampton High School, went on to graduate from Boston College and Vermont Law School. Never a traditional lawyer, he worked for the Department of Immigration right out of law school and was profoundly disturbed by the cruelty of the process. Very interested in emerging computer and communications technology, he worked for Gartner Consulting and authored a respected tome during his research on privacy issues at the Harvard Information Policy Group.
At Harvard University’s ‘think tank on the information age,’ he wrote a top publication for the Program on Information Resources Policy: “Telephone Transaction — Generated Information: Rights and Restrictions.”
His most cherished work was as a professor of business at Kingsborough Community College in Brooklyn, where there was often a line at his office door of the students he mentored to believe in their worth and their futures.
Later at Covenant House, an organization dedicated to supporting homeless youth, he provided compassion, guidance and support for vulnerable youth.
He enjoyed sailing, music, reading, a spirited debate and a quiet morning watching the birds as the sun rose over the bay. Spending time with his friends just hanging out laughing, talking about the mysteries of the universe, and causing a little trouble brought him great joy over his lifetime. Awesome memories of Grateful Dead concerts always made him smile.
According to his family, he had a special gift of seeing the good in everyone no matter what the circumstances and helped hundreds of friends as well as strangers with his listening ear, gentle heart, and acts of kindness.
A warrior when it came to justice, he fought with fierce courage and grit for anyone he believed was abused or treated unfairly. He was proud to never “color inside the lines” and believed deeply in equality and respect for every human being.
He will be remembered for his deep compassion, courage, curiosity, resilience, astounding intellect and above all, his wild Irish spirit.
He is survived by a sister, Dr. Jeannemarie Caris-McManus of Oakhurst, California; a brother, Jim McManus of Southampton; many nieces and nephews; and his partners.
Donations in his memory may be made to Covenant House (covenanthouse.org).
Staff Writer on Jul 7, 2025