Thomas Steven Molnar

MOLNAR, Thomas Steven, 89, died peacefully on July 20, 2010, in Richmond, Va. Dr. Molnar (born Molnar Tamas) was born in Budapest, Hungary, on July 26, 1921, and was the only child of Aranka and Sandor Molnar. Dr. Molnar completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Brussels in Belgium and received his Ph.D. in philosophy and history from Columbia University in New York City. He was a Catholic philosopher, a historian and political theorist. He taught religious philosophy at several universities throughout the U.S., Europe, South America and South Africa. He also authored over 40 books and numerous articles in English, French, Spanish and Hungarian, and was a renowned author and intellect in political and philosophical circles. Dr. Molnar was a frequent contributor to or on the editorial board of National Review, Catholica, Monde et Vie, Modern Age, and and other prestigious periodicals. Dr. Molnar received the Szechenyi Award, the nation's highest honor from the President of the Republic of Hungary. Dr. Molnar leaves behind his devoted wife of 32 years, Ildiko. He is also survived by his son, Eric Molnar of New York; his stepson, Dr. John Nestler and his wife, Michelle, of Richmond, Va.; his stepdaughter, Mrs. Patricia Berardino and her husband, Louis, of Damascus, Md.; and his stepdaughter-in-law, Mrs. Stacy Scofield Nestler of Fredericksburg, Texas. He will be greatly missed by his seven loving grandchildren and his large extended family and close friends. The Mass of Christian burial and interment will be private.


This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.