Thomas Mansheim

Thomas M. Mansheim of Jersey City passed away peacefully at his home after a long illness on October 3, 2025. He was born on December 26, 1939, to the late Leo and Johanna (Friedrich) Mansheim in Sioux City, Iowa. He celebrated 25 years of marriage to his loving wife, Alice Potz, this past September 30. Tom and Alice loved each other deeply, treasured their marriage, and shared an eternal bond.

Thomas was a graduate of the State University of South Dakota (B.A.), the University of Detroit (M.A.), and the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (M.S.). Starting in the early 1960s, he taught mathematics at Marquette University. By 1968, he joined the faculty of St. Peter’s (College) University as an associate professor, where he taught Urban Studies and Sociology for over 50 years. He chaired the Department of Urban Studies, served as the faculty senate representative for the departments of Sociology, Urban Studies, and Anthropology for many years. He excelled in mentoring students, particularly in securing internships for them, thereby paving the way for their future careers. Tom was a pioneer in the innovation of computers in the classroom curriculum. In 2016, the University granted Tom Professor Emeritus status.

Tom, a polymath, devoured books ranging in subject matter from Christian and Eastern spirituality to literature and poetry, history, and current affairs. He had a particular interest in scholarly research on the historical Jesus. His home library has a collection of over one thousand books. 

Tom cherished friendship and nurtured his love for many dear friends. He loved to travel with Alice to Germany, her homeland, and other European countries, and was especially fond of spending summers in Munich. He and Alice took delight in caring for their cat, Abercrombie. 

In addition to his wife, Thomas is lovingly remembered by his children, Kathleen Mansheim, Jennifer Mansheim Cherry, Timothy Mansheim, and Thomas Leo Mansheim, his grandchildren and great-grandchild, and his colleagues at St. Peter‘s University. 

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's University Chapel, 2641 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Jersey City, NJ 07306.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom’s name may be made to Saint Peter’s University, Office of Advancement, 2461 Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, New Jersey, 07306.