William G. Manikas

William G. (Bill) Manikas November 7, 1930 – July 26, 2025

William G. (Bill) Manikas passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was 94.

Born in Schenectady, New York, on November 7, 1930, Bill was the son of Anthi and George Manikas. He attended Mont Pleasant High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically.

Bill continued his education at Syracuse University, earning a bachelor's degree in political science. He was a starter and captain of the Syracuse basketball team from 1949 to 1953. After college, he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955, stationed in Japan, where he also captained the U.S. Army basketball team.

A lifelong educator, Bill earned his master's degree in education from SUNY Oneonta and completed post-doctoral studies at the University at Albany. He began his teaching career at John Bigsbee School in the Mohonasen Central School District. Over the years, he served as a principal at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, later becoming assistant superintendent and, following retirement, returned to lead the district as Superintendent of Schools.

In 2007, Bill was inducted into the Schenectady Athletic Hall of Fame, followed by induction into the Upstate New York Basketball Hall of Fame in 2017.

Bill was predeceased by his wife of forty-six years, Mary B. Halloran Manikas; parents, Anthi and George Manikas; his brothers, Peter G. Manikas and Phillip G. Manikas; as well as an infant daughter and an infant granddaughter.

He is survived by his sister, Elaine Manikas Sokaris, six children: Debra Manikas (Male), Paul Manikas and Joanne Halnon Manikas, Laura Manikas Sunners and Alan Sunners, G. William Manikas and Lisa DelBrocco Manikas, Susan Manikas Hart and Douglas Hart, and Steven Manikas and Lenore Intilli Manikas. He also leaves behind seventeen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, July 29, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Daly Funeral Home, 242 McClellan Street, Schenectady, NY. A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30, at St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 107 Clinton Street, Schenectady. Interment will follow at Parkview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Bill's memory to St. George Greek Orthodox Church.