What is your first memory of Thomas? Share a favorite memory you have of Thomas. Tell us about a special moment you shared with Thomas. Describe a time when Thomas made you laugh or smile. What is something you will always remember about Thomas? Talk about a shared experience you had with Thomas. What is something you did together that you enjoyed? Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Thomas. Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Thomas. What is something you learned from Thomas?

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Thomas Michael McManus

Obituary

Guest Book

Thomas McManus Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 14, 2025.

Thomas McManus, formerly of Castleblayney, County Monaghan, Ireland, passed away on July 23, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born on April 2, 1942, in Castleblayney, Thomas grew up in Ireland, where he was a skilled Gaelic football player and developed the sharp intellect and wide-ranging knowledge that stayed with him for life. After immigrating to the United States, he eventually met Barbara, the love of his life, while bartending in the Bronx. A shared love of crossword puzzles sparked their connection, and throughout their marriage, they did the puzzle together every day. Together, they began their family in the Bronx before settling in Middletown, New Jersey.

Thomas worked in many roles over the years, but he spent most of his career as a bartender, a job that perfectly suited his quick wit, deep curiosity, and natural way with people. He could talk to anyone about anything and was always ready with a story, an opinion, or a bit of hard-earned advice.

More than anything, Thomas was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. He was a constant and steady presence for those he loved, and his loyalty to family was unwavering. His stories, his sense of humor, and his generosity left a lasting mark on everyone lucky enough to spend time with him.

He was predeceased by his wife, Barbara; her son, Michael Costanzo; and their son, Thomas McManus. He was also predeceased by his sister, Nancy, and his brother, Gene. He is survived by his sons, Matthew McManus and Mark Costanzo; Matthew's wife, Jenn; Mark's partner, James Luppino; his grandchildren, Madison (daughter of Matthew), and Kaedyn and Finley (children of Thomas McManus); and Jeannie Davis, the former spouse of Thomas. He is also survived by Jenn's children, Liam and Zoey, whom he welcomed as family, by his sisters Joan and Mary, and by his many nieces and nephews, all of whom he cherished.

To those who knew him, Thomas was fiercely loyal, endlessly curious, and always ready with a story. His absence will be deeply felt, and his memory cherished.

A private funeral service was held in Ireland, where he passed away while vacationing. While he lived a full life abroad, the place that formed him welcomed him home.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Thomas McManus's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

Kaedyn McManus

Yesterday

Grandpa,

It´s hard to put into words what you meant to me. You were one of the kindest, most caring people I´ve ever known. You always had time to listen, always knew what to say, and you made everyone feel welcome just by being yourself.

I admired your strength more than I can say. You went through so much with quiet courage, and yes, maybe a bit of stubbornness, too (which only made you more lovable). That stubbornness meant you never gave up on the people you loved. I always knew you were in my corner, no matter what.

You were talkative in the best way. Whether it was stories from your past, little bits of advice, or just chatting about anything and everything. I´ll miss hearing your voice, your laugh, and the way you lit up a room without even trying.

I am so thankful to have been a part of your last days in this world. Our trip to Ireland, 3 years it took to finally convince you to come with me. I´m grateful you finally agreed to come because I was the happiest girl in the world when I heard you´d come. I know it was a hard trip for you to make. I also know you came for me, and that is something I will always be grateful for. I got to see the place you grew up, such beautiful places and I got to meet amazing people. I´ll never forget those times. I´ll never forget those memories. I´ll never forget our last vacation together. I´ll never forget you.

You passed around the people you loved most and the place you grew up in. Grandma and Dad were waiting for you to come and you all now get to watch us.

Thank you for everything, thank you for cherishing me, thank you for loving me, thank you for being my #1 supporter.
Thank you for every hug, every moment, every memory. You were truly one of a kind, and I was so lucky to have you as my grandpa.

I´ll miss you deeply. I always will.
Love you forever, Grandpa.

Love,
Kaedyn