The Lewis University community is deeply saddened by the passing of Brother Raymond McManaman, FSC, a beloved member of the Christian Brothers, who passed away peacefully on the evening of Oct. 30, 2024, at Franciscan Village in Lemont, IL. Brother Raymond, who was 95 years old, dedicated 51 years of his life to Lewis University, leaving a profound legacy of faith, service, and wisdom.
Born in the town of Waukegan, IL, Brother Raymond joined the De La Salle Christian Brothers in 1947, stating his first vows the following year. His path led him to Lewis University in 1960 as one of the seven original Brothers on campus. Over the next five decades, he served as Dean of Students, Chair of the Religious Studies Department, and a respected Professor in the Theology Department. As stated by other brothers, Raymond’s warmth, humor, and genuine care for students exemplified the mission of the Christian Brothers, and his impact on the Lewis community has been described as transformative and enduring.
President Livingston stated “He personified the mission of the Brothers through his warmth, sense of humor, and genuine care for the students.”
Brother Raymond’s contributions were celebrated with numerous honors throughout his professional life. In 2016, he was awarded the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award, recognizing his exceptional dedication to the university’s mission and students. He was named an Honorary Founder of Lewis University in 2021, which further cemented his legacy. Last year, the university honored him by naming the main campus drive “Brother Raymond Drive” in recognition of his lifelong dedication.
Brother Raymond was highly educated, holding a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts from Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, an additional Master’s degree from Seattle University, a Doctor of Ministry from Aquinas Institute of Theology, and a Doctor of Sacred Theology from San Francisco Theological Seminary.
Outside of his academic pursuits, he found joy in reading, supporting Notre Dame football, the Chicago White Sox, and cheering on Lewis University’s athletic teams, particularly the baseball team.
Brother Raymond was accompanied throughout his life by his brother Thomas McManaman, nephew Ryan McManaman, niece Patricia (Pat) McManaman, and his Christian Brothers. His memory lives on in the countless lives he touched at Lewis University and beyond.
The Brothers of Lewis University described him as an individual hungry for knowledge. He would be the first one to arrive at the table for the meals, but he would also be the first one to leave, because he was always busy studying and researching.
The community of the school came together on Wednesday November 6th, of the current year, at the Sancta Alberta Chapel, where those that knew him would talk about his persona stating that his humility was admirable and left a legacy that his students and friends will forever cherish and remember.
His legacy will be forever remembered amongst the Lewis University Community, and those who knew him will remember his dedication and hunger for knowledge, inspiring them to do the same.
Phot Credits: Lewis University
