John J. Mancuso

John James (Jim) Mancuso of Niskayuna, NY, died at home, February 12, 2024, after a two-year battle with glioblastoma. He was 65 years old. His life was filled with grace and kindness.

Born April 19, 1958, in Olean to Frank and Josephine (Romano) Mancuso, Jim was a proud member of the Class of '76 from Portville Central School District and remained in touch with many of his classmates over the years. He received his BA in linguistics ('79) and Master's in Library Science ('83) from Syracuse University.

Jim was a brilliant and witty scholar, librarian, professor, researcher, and author. He was the assistant director of the Capital District Library Council for many years, then the academic librarian and English professor at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Schenectady. After his diagnosis, Jim retired from Northeastern Baptist College in Bennington, VT, where he was the beloved English professor and Vice President of Library Services. Jim was fluent in several languages, as well as Latin and New Testament Greek. He was a respected and well-loved member of NYLA for many years.

Jim had the unique talent of drawing flawless maps of the U.S.A. from memory in any size or medium. He worked as an educational performer at many elementary schools around the country and was featured on television several times as Mr. Mapcuso. He especially enjoyed drawing his maps in the flat, low-tide sands of Ogunquit Beach and chatting with people who would gather to watch him work.

Above all else, Jim loved Jesus Christ. He served the Lord in countless ways, but primarily as a wise, loving, hard-working elder of First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady, where he taught adult Sunday school and led several committees. The congregation loved his amiable, approachable, and responsive nature. First Presbyterian Church supported Jim and his family in countless creative and generous ways during his illness.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Kathleen Petrie Mancuso, and their devoted children, Nicholas (Marissa) Mancuso of Schaghticoke, Victoria (Caleb) Garofalo of Guilderland, and Benjamin Mancuso of Massena, each of whom tenderly cared for him through the course of this devastating disease. He was the loving grandfather of Faith, Calvin, Hudson, and Melody Mancuso of Schaghticoke. Also survived by his sister, Francine (John) Doty of Bolivar, and his brother, Mark (Beth) Mancuso of Olean.

Jim's love of the Bible led him to study the Greek New Testament for his own devotions and to write a faithful and useful translation for himself. Friends and colleagues encouraged him to have The Lifegate New Testament published. Memorial gifts for the continuation of this work may be given in care of First Presbyterian Church, 209 Union St, Schenectady, NY, 12305.

Calling hours will be 4 to 7 P.M. on Friday, February 16 at New Comer Funeral Home, 343 New Karner Rd, Colonie, NY.

The funeral service will be at First Presbyterian Church, Schenectady, 209 Union Street, Schenectady, at 10:00 A.M, Saturday, February 17th. Private spring burial in the West St. Johnsville Cemetery, St Johnsville, NY.

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