In memoriam. Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas (1947–2026)

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Lithuanian-American architect, philanthropist, and long-time supporter of the Vilnius University Foundation and the Faculty of History, Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas, who passed away in New York State in his 80th year.

Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas was born in Germany in 1947. In 1949, his family moved to the United States. He obtained his degree in architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. J. Sidas Sidzikauskas is known for his significant philanthropic activities dedicated to the preservation of Lithuanian historical memory.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of the long-time patron and benefactor of the Faculty of History, Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas. His decision to support the Faculty of History in 2017 was an unexpected and wonderful gift to us. Without imposing any conditions and fully trusting our researchers, the patron provided annual support to increase the internationalization of the Faculty's scientific research. His decision was driven by a desire, very understandable to historians, to immortalize and maintain the memory of his uncle, the well-known interwar diplomat Vaclovas Sidzikauskas. Every year, during the graduation ceremony, the Faculty of History awards the Vaclovas Sidzikauskas Award and honors his memory. We will continue this tradition at the Faculty, remembering our patron Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas and fulfilling his wish to foster memory," says Assoc. Prof. Dr. Loreta Skurvydaitė, Dean of the VU Faculty of History.

J. Sidas Sidzikauskas has consistently preserved the memory of his uncle, the well-known interwar Lithuanian lawyer, diplomat, and public figure Vaclovas Sidzikauskas (1893–1973). At the initiative of the benefactor, and in cooperation with historian and diplomat Vytautas Žalys, the memoirs of V. Sidzikauskas, “On the Margins of Lithuanian Diplomacy”(original Lithuanian title: Lietuvos diplomatijos paraštėje), were published in 1994. In 2017, the Vaclovas Sidzikauskas Award was established at the VU Faculty of History. In 2026, J. Sidas Sidzikauskas established a 100,000 EUR endowment sub-fund in the name of Vaclovas Sidzikauskas (1893–1973) at the VU Foundation.

"It is with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of our long-time patron Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas. We are infinitely grateful for his support that lasted nearly a decade, which opened paths to the world for the science of the Faculty of History. Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas was one of the first philanthropists to believe in the idea of sustainable philanthropy and an endowment fund in Lithuania. His vision, consistent support, and attention to the preservation of historical memory have become an inspiring example of patronage for future generations," says VU Foundation CEO Justinas Noreika.

J. Sidas Sidzikauskas maintained close ties with his homeland, fostered the Lithuanian language and culture, and regularly visited his native country. Diaspora stories mention that while living in San Francisco, J. Sidas Sidzikauskas taught the Nobel Prize in Literature laureate Czesław Miłosz the Lithuanian language so that he could read the Lithuanian diaspora newspaper "Draugas".

We express our sincere condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and colleagues of Juozas Sidas Sidzikauskas.

A Requiem Mass will be offered on Sunday, September 13, at 6:00 p.m. at the Shrine of Divine Mercy (12 Dominikonų St., Vilnius).