PETER MANICAS Obituary

MANICAS--Peter T.

1934-2015. Peter T. Manicas, retired professor of philosophy at Queens College, City University of New York and the University of Hawaii at Manoa, passed away on December 27 in Honolulu. He is survived by his wife of fifty-five years, Kenoe Kauanoe 'Ti' Manicas, and their son Teddy (Theodore). Their daughter Tautasi died previously. Born into a Greek and Sicilian immigrant family in Binghamton, NY, Manicas was raised in Batavia, NY. He saw active service in the U.S. Air Force in the late 1950s and attained the rank of Captain. He received his BA from Syracuse University, and his MA from the University of Buffalo and his PhD in philosophy from SUNY Buffalo (1963). Professor Manicas moved to Hawaii in 1988 where he served as Professor of Sociology and Director of the Interdisciplinary Studies program at the University of Hawaii at Manoa (1988-2011). Early in his career he taught at C.W. Post College and Ohio Wesleyan University. A testimony to his scholarly productivity, Manicas published thirteen books and over fifty papers on realist philosophy, American pragmatism, and social theory including: "The Death of the State" (1974); "A History and Philosophy of the Social Sciences" (1987); and "A Realist Philosophy of Science" (2006). The consistent recipient of teaching awards, Manicas touched the lives of thousands of students. Peter was endowed with a fiery passion for social justice and had a curious mind, a wicked humor, and an open heart. A consummate epicure, he also was an enthusiastic fan of the New York Yankees, Knicks, and Giants, in addition to being a powerful presence in pick-up basketball. Peter was in many ways larger than life and will be irreplaceable. Services will be held at Borthwick Mortuary in Honolulu.

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Published by New York Times on Jan. 3, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for PETER MANICAS

11 Entries

James Hyland

November 4, 2024

Dr. Manicas was my favorite professor at Queens College (CUNY) when I went there during the mid-1970's. After taking his course "Liberalism and Capitalism" (given under the Contemporary Civilization department of which Dr. Manicas was the chairman), I immediately switched over from pre-med studies to the social sciences, graduating with a degree in political science. I also took two other classes with Professor Manicas - "Law, Ethics and Medicine" and the "Philosophy of the State". Dr. Manicas was an amazing and inspiring teacher who encouraged me to enroll in the MALS (Master of Liberal Studies) program at Queens. I finally got around to doing that many years after I graduated. In 1998 I completed my MALS degree upon submission and acceptance of my 225 page thesis - "A Structuralist Critique of the New Deal State", which now sits in the Rosenthal Library at Queens College. One of the biggest regrets of my life is that I never made contact with Dr. Manicas after he left Queens College and ended up heading the Interdisciplinary Studies program at the University of Hawaii (Manoa). I would have loved to have shown him my thesis and tell him how he had inspired me to go on to get that MALS degree so many years before. In his first book, The Death of the State, there's a small passage at the end of the book where he says that "human life is tragic, and will remain so". Indeed, my never having met him again is a personal testament to that. But the sheer joy he brought to teaching is a testament to how life can be beautifully enriched by such a beautiful soul.

Dawn Wasson

January 15, 2017

Aloha Shirley today is one year Peter's passing. I am so sorry not to have known. Love to you and your 'ohana. I would like to visit with you so call 808 371-5008. Mahalo

Bill Kerr

October 5, 2016

Ti,

Peter and I were great buddies during grad school. One day in a bitter winter we were trying to start my Peuguot with the crank. With his great energy we succeeded. My best to you. Summer of 69 you had wife and me for dinner. Peter invited me to teach at Queens that summer. My regrets.

Stephen Philion

January 14, 2016

Dear Ti, My deepest sympathies to you. I learned so much from Peter as his TA for 4 years that I carry with me to this day. Peter brought an intellectual energy into so many settings at the UofH. He challenged orthodoxy and did so with a work ethic that was unparalleled. And he gave and gave and gave to his students, all the while challenging them to do better. Now a professor myself, I try to do the same and think of it as a little bit of payback. I'm so grateful fate allowed me to know this man and I will miss him greatly.

Kathy Ferguson

January 13, 2016

On behalf of Peter's colleagues and friends in the Department of Political Science, I send my sincere condolences on your loss.

Athena Schmidt

January 10, 2016

Aunt Ti, I will always remember the way Uncle Peter lit up the room with his smile and laughter, the wonderful visit with your family in Oyster Bay and your love and generosity to our family. We wish we could be with you, but are sending our love and prayers. Athena and Joe Schmidt & children

'Io & Mark Cabanos

January 9, 2016

Our Dearest Tautasi.. Our Deepest Aloha & Sympathy from the entire CABANOS Ohana. Mark & I will remember Peter w/ memories of the many times spent dinning, gathering, laughing & having meaningful conversations throughout our almost 50 yrs of friendship in NY & Honolulu..
You were both a part of our lives that will never be forgotten.
Me Ke Aloha Piha❤

Ravi Palat

January 8, 2016

Peter was a towering figure--a major intellectual, a magnificient teacher, a man of extraordinary compassion, a wonderful human being. He was an extraordinary guide to me as a young academic in Hawaii in the late 80s and early 90s.

Magdalina Pierakos Gifford

January 4, 2016

When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Dear Aunt Ti, our love, thoughts and prayers are with you... All our love, Magdalina, Jim, Chase and Preston

Magdalina Gifford

January 4, 2016

When a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, lies on the paths of men.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Aunt Ti, our thoughts, prayers and love are with you. Love, Magdalina, Jim, Chase and Preston (Pierakos) Gifford

Thalia and Dan Dierken (Pierakos)

January 4, 2016

Our thoughts are with you Aunt Ti during this difficult time. Sending much love from Buffalo.

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