Manhattan University Mourns the Loss of John "Jack" Powers ‘58
Often Cited as Among the Greatest Alums of All Time
Manhattan University sadly announced the passing of John “Jack” Powers ’58, a legendary New York City basketball figure who led Manhattan University (then Manhattan College) to the NCAA tournament twice and the National Invitation Tournament (NIT), defeating nationally-ranked West Virginia University and Jerry West in the 1958 NCAA Tournament. In his senior year, team captain Powers concluded his collegiate career with 1,139 points.
In 2017, Powers became the first Jasper to have his basketball uniform – number 34 – retired. He was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including the Manhattan Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.
Powers’ association with the University did not end with his playing days, however; he spent ten seasons as the men’s basketball head coach, posting a record of 142-114, with four appearances in the NIT. He then became the school’s Athletic Director for nine years, before serving as the Executive Director of the NIT for over 20 years. Powers also was a member of the Executive Councils of the Eastern College Athletic Conference, the Intercollegiate Association of Amateur Athletes of America, and President of the Metropolitan Basketball Association and the Tri-State Soccer League.
His presence among the members of the Manhattan University community was not limited to his athletic prowess, however. Said Dr. Lisa Toscano, Professor of Kinesiology and a long-time friend of Powers, “To me, Jack was a New York City basketball legend and the strongest man I have ever met. A Jasper to the core, he so loved Manhattan University, his teammates, and his players. Most of all, he loved his family. For me personally, Jack is the reason for my life’s work. Through his mentorship for me and for so many others, he will live on forever.”
Added Thomas Mauriello, Senior Vice President for University Advancement, “Jack is one of the true legends in Jasper athletic history. His passing is a tremendous loss to so many of us, but his impact on Jasper sports and the University itself will live on always.”
Powers is survived by his wife, Anita; children, John (Katherine) and Kimberly Powers-Gorich (George); grandchildren, Allison and Sean Powers and Jack Gorich; and his brother, James. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Roman Catholic Church, Scarsdale, NY. He was a longtime resident of Eastchester and Montauk, NY.