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Dr. Joseph Manig-Sylvan Obituary
The following is a remembrance from his younger brother, Thomas Manig, who resides in Alabama.
Joseph Manig-Sylvan was born in Chicago in 1947 as Joseph Manig. Later in his life, he used the name Sylvan in honor of his maternal grandfather. His violin lessons starting at age 7 were the beginnings of a long and varied career as a performer and teacher. He found fulfillment and adventure in youth orchestras around the city.
Leaving high school early, he pursued higher education at many campuses around the country. Later, he lived in Mexico. He earned the credentials to teach at the university level, and found employment at New Mexico State University. This was his academic home until he retired.
Joseph often made a powerful impression on those he met, partly by his intellect and partly by his charm and sense of beauty. His impassioned performances of pieces by Bach, Franck and others were memorable.
Throughout his life, Joseph had a strong need for love, and experienced the joys of love and sorrows of lost love very deeply.
No accounting of his life would be complete without mentioning his long-time devotion to his guru, and to the wonder of the starry skies, and to making and collecting paintings. His house was a cultural meeting place.
Joseph is survived by his two brothers Herb and Tom.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dr. Joseph Manig-Sylvan
Shaun Hadfield
March 21, 2025
Joseph, you popped into my mind today, and it never fails to bring a smile. Our conversations did not disappoint. Very happy to have been your tech expert, and for the one time our music paths crossed.
Cne Williams
October 26, 2024
Shared through a close friend of Joseph's via route of Glenna his mother who appears in this picture. Glenna and Joe have been popping up into my art lately, peace and love be to your family. Always.
Eddie Hussain
March 7, 2021
I was so inspired by the deep passion and poetry of Dr. Sylvan's playing. I will never forget when he came at the night of my Junior recital and joined our orchestra to play Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 5. His violin playing was so rich, clear and expressive. He also asked me once to accompany him on some Beethoven violin sonatas and it was an absolute privilege and honor to be a small part of the large, beautiful music that came from his soul. He was a great man and teacher and I am happy and blessed to have learned and worked with him. He will never be forgotten and his beautiful music will always be a source of inspiration for me. May God bless you, Dr. Sylvan.
mary reynolds
June 28, 2020
I was so very sorry to hear of Joe's passing. He and I were violinists together in our quartet at University of Southern California. Of ALL the musicians with whom I have worked with then and now, Joe brought a distinct and thorough love of the music to every rehearsals. This was evident in his knowing all four parts in the score and being able to relate, without ego, what line or phrase that we were working on. It was always a labor of love--something that our profession can always use , for sure. He was very happy to contribute ideas and yet he was diplomatic in listening to everyone's suggestions; aTRUE quartet collaborator! Our Beethoven C
Minor Quartet was very inspiring because of Joe's impeccable contributions in soulful playing. The sparkle in his eyes and sweet smile are enduring reminders of the depth of his essence. What a dear dear man. Condolences, belated as they are, to your family, Joe, and God speed in all of your enduring heavenly music making.
Germán Guzmán
April 29, 2016
We met at a luncheon and out of all those, you picked my table. We had a wonderful conversation. You were an amazing person and my heart saddens.
Erik Maese
February 25, 2016
I am so saddened to hear of Dr. Sylvan's passing. I took violin lessons from him and was always inspired by his work ethic and method of teaching, he was an incredibly bright and intelligent person. He taught me so much in the short amount of time I knew him. May he rest in peace. I am a better musician because of him.
Mike Sylvan
February 14, 2016
My heart goes out to the Manig-Sylvan family. I fondly remember Joseph and his brothers Herb and Thomas, as we saw each other at many family get-togethers when we were growing up in Chicago.
Gordon Butler
February 8, 2016
A Memorial Celebration for Dr. Sylvan will take place on February 27, 2016 at Peace Lutheran Church, 1701 Missouri Avenue in Las Cruces, New Mexico. It will start at 3:00 p.m. All are invited to join with family and friends in celebrating the life of a remarkable man
Sue Smith
February 5, 2016
Condolences to family and friends of Joseph, a brave man inspired by his heart. His devotion and passion touched so many. He gave generously to all who asked. My dear and old friend, I miss you.
Such a kind and gentile soul. Thank you for sharing your passions with me, Joseph!
Paola Gabbi-Madrid
February 5, 2016
February 3, 2016
I honor the man who had varied interests. He welcomed me warmly to his observatory when I was younger and will never forget his kind manner and demeanor. M.D. Hradek
Sarah Theres
January 30, 2016
I will never forget the confidence Dr. Sylvan gave me in my abilities as a writer and student of his. I was never very good at history, but through listening to his interesting, vibrant lectures, I blossomed in his class. He had the kindest soul and warmest smile. Thank you Dr. Sylvan for helping me grow as a musician and a person. May he rest in peace, I know he is sharing his music with the angels in heaven.
Hugo Moreno
January 29, 2016
Dr. Sylvan, thank you for introducing me to aesthetics, the art song, the tone poem and music as a a universal element. Your mind and spirit will be very much missed.
Michael Mapp
January 29, 2016
Joseph was one of the most influential musicians in my life and he became a wonderful friend. As a student, he challenged me to think about things in new perspectives and I enjoyed the time I would spend at his house observing the planets, discussing philosophy/religion, and enjoying ice cream with coffee and cigarettes. He was always just a phone call away and eager to help, a truly brilliant mind. Although he taught me music history and how to play the violin, more importantly he taught me about the beauty of life, despite its flaws. He was a true guru. Phir Milenge my friend.
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed; rather, it transforms from one form to another
Kris Keith
January 29, 2016
Kris Keith
January 29, 2016
Kris Keith
January 29, 2016
Claudia Encarnacion
January 29, 2016
Joseph was a kind man who could engage and speak knowledgeably on a variety of subjects. He also possessed that rarest of gifts of being able to listen.. RIP, Joseph. The Las Cruces/El Paso musical and intellectual firmament has lost another star.
William Leland
January 28, 2016
Joseph and I performed together in many duo and trio recitals during our years as colleagues at NMSU. He was an unfailingly gracious and conscientious partner and friend, and always gave his best. He will be fondly remembered.
El Paso Symphony Staff
January 27, 2016
Joseph will be greatly missed by EPSO musicians, patrons and staff. His kind, gentle spirit was a joy to be around. He had to have been the most polite man you would ever want to meet. His intelligence mesmerized us, especially during the tour to Turkey, where we had time to sit and chat. He was a pleasure to hang out with. You will be sorely missed, Joseph.
Chris Cruise
January 26, 2016
Dr. Sylvan was my son's violin teacher until this past year. Before my son was old enough to drive himself, I would take him to lessons. Joseph would always provide me a cup of coffee, and I would sit in his living room, listening to his lessons, or browsing his bookcase. I have such fond memories of these times. He truly was a remarkable teacher and musician. He will be missed.
January 26, 2016
I am very saddened to learn of Professor Manig-Sylvan's passing. He was among the most intelligence and interesting people that I have encountered in my life. I enjoyed working with him during my time at New Mexico State University in the Faculty Senate.
James I. Matray
California State University, Chico
Chris Sanders
January 25, 2016
May your soul find rest,Dear Joseph. Thank you for being so kind to me. Music lived in you and lives on. Goodbye, my Friend.
Steven Huber
January 25, 2016
Dr. Sylvan taught music history while I was a student at NMSU, and his class was one of the best classes I took while I was there. He had such a passion for music, which would shine forth every time the class met. I truly believe that his class taught me how to truly appreciate the beauty of music. May he rest in peace.
Alan Bloebaum
January 25, 2016
I earned my Ph.D. at NMSU in 1972. Our older daughter, Gretchen, was born in Cruces. After I graduated, we moved to San Angelo, TX, where Gretchen completed public school and earned a Bachelor of Music at Angelo State University. When it was time to look for a graduate program, she first considered UNM, but not finding what she wanted, she decided to pay a visit to NMSU. She and I visited on a Friday afternoon with Dr. Hutchinson. In the course of a very informal visit, he called Dr. Sylvan and said, "Joe, come down here! There's someone I'd like you to meet!" Dr. Sylvan joined the visit, and Gretchen was sold on NMSU. Her first semester, Fall of 1992, she took Dr. Sylvan's course in the History of Classical Music. She found Dr. S. to be a wonderful lecturer, but she was really surprised when he invited the class over to his home for a duck dinner, to view an opera on tape, THEN to watch the Bugs Bunny Wagnerian cartoon AND What's Opera Doc, a "remake" of The Barber of Seville. I only met Dr. Sylvan that once, but, as a college professor myself, I recognized in Dr. S. someone going above and beyond to stimulate and interest his students. Thus, the obituary comment that his house was a place of culture rang true for me! Gretchen remembers Dr. Sylvan fondly, and I will always appreciate his willingness to "pop in" to the first visit Gretchen made to NMSU. That made a life-long impression on both of us. I can see why his students and colleagues loved him so much.
Stephen Pugh/ Linda McClain
January 25, 2016
a gentle soul and learned colleague. He will be greatly missed.
Stephen Pugh/ Linda McClain
January 25, 2016
We will miss him greatly, a gentle soul and learned colleague
January 25, 2016
Such a great man, he will be deeply missed.
John Owens
January 25, 2016
I was so sad to learn of the death of Professor Joseph Sylvan. In addition to our work at NMSU, Joe lived just up the road from us in Las Cruces. In addition to his considerable and widely-recognized musical talents, Professor Sylvan was thoughtful, professional, and possessed a remarkable balance fairness. He was a special and professional person.
Orlando-Antonio Carrillo-Jiménez
January 24, 2016
Although I never had him as a professor, I had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Sylvan when I started at NMSU in 1989. He was always very kind to me and I was able to work with him on a couple of projects at New Mexico State. Your music and your spirit will be remembered and missed.
Laura Spitzer
January 24, 2016
Dear colleague and friend, thank you for enriching my life both musically and spiritually. I know you have merged with the Light.
Eric Martinez
January 24, 2016
Dr. Sylvan was a dedicated, wonderful, and inspirational educator who I will always remember. He pushed and constantly challenged me to excel in whatever I pursued. He will be greatly missed and the heavens gained a brilliant and gifted musician. Rest in peace.
Melody Hagaman
January 24, 2016
Joseph became a dear personal friend who provided a listening ear and wise advice through one of the most difficult periods in my life. He took great pride in his career as an educator. He was a true gentleman and will be missed deeply.
Lynn E Lawson
January 24, 2016
Dr.Joseph Sylvan was Always unfailing in his kindness towards his students. His wisdom,generosity of spirit will be greatly missed. RIP
Robert Pabinquit
January 24, 2016
Dr. Sylvan always showed the highest dedication to music to his students. While performing the Beethoven triple, he walked on stage without his crutches. He had an accident earlier that week and had severely injured his ankle. I never forgot how he performed that night. The music came alive.
January 24, 2016
Dr. Sylvan personified the beauty and art he taught. He was and will remain an inspiration.
J Kennedy
Darrell Downey
January 24, 2016
I enjoyed our many years of playing together. You will be missed my friend.
John Flemons
January 24, 2016
Dr. Sylvan shared a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of music. He was a brilliant musician and kind gentleman.
Kristin Dyche Calderon
January 24, 2016
Dr. Sylvan was my violin teacher and neighbor for many years. Though I had moved away from this area many years ago and had long ago lost touch with him, through a strange series of coincidences I was at an El Paso Symphony concert last night and heard of his death. Dr. Sylvan helped me grow immeasurably as a musician and was even generous enough to allow me, when I was a teenager, to play his incredible Stradivarius for a music camp audition. His generosity of spirit will not be forgotten.
Sally Detzel
January 24, 2016
Through his teaching of Music History, Dr. Sylvan inspired me to seek beauty in many performance genres. Our loss is heaven's gain.
Sarah Merrell (Luján)
January 24, 2016
It was one of the hardest things I had ever done, being a nurse to one of my favorite (if not my favorite) professors. You fought so hard and it was apparent. It was an honor being your student as well as your nurse. I will always treasure the memories of your kind words.
Sylvia Blair
January 24, 2016
You will be deeply missed dear friend. Thank you for sharing your music, knowledge and insatiable curiosity with us all.
Tim Jackson
January 24, 2016
I will always remember Dr. Slyvan as being the embodiment of a true gentlemen, a kind and brilliant teacher with whom I studied, and a most talented a accomplished musician. May God hold and keep you in his arms forever.
This is how I will always remember Joseph. ❤
Paola Gabbi-Madrid
January 24, 2016
January 24, 2016
Condolences to all who knew and loved him.
william
Whitney Griggs Raleigh
January 24, 2016
My deepest condolences for Joe's passing to his family.
He and I played in Mexico together and lived together.A great love, man, violinist and friend. I can hear his wonderful laugh! He had such a talent for telling jokes...especially musical ones! He was a beautiful soul so hungry to share everything. I will always love him. His violin artistry grew by the decade and thankfully , through the university he also taught music history. Rest in eternal peace dear friend. You are surely with the divine light now!
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