Obituary of Fr. Stephen Kilcarr

Father Stephen M. Kilcarr,86 Father Stephen M. Kilcarr,86, who last spring celebrated the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood and was a beloved fixture at Seton Hall Prep for more than 55 years as a spiritual counselor, athletic director, baseball coach and supporter of all Prep activities passed away on June 22, 2017. While teaching in the Theology Department during his long career and while taking on the role of spiritual advisor for many athletic teams, he was also head baseball coach through the 70s and 80s, bringing a North Jersey State title, three conference championships and a Greater Newark Tournament crown to the Prep. His care for all the students and his love of the game of baseball are the stuff of Prep lore, and have had an enormous effect on thousands of Prep students across the decades. Visitation for Father Kilcarr will be held on Tuesday, June 27, 2017, from 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM at the Church of St. Joseph, 44 Benvenue Avenue, West Orange, NJ, with a Vigil Mass to follow at 7:30 PM. Visitation will also be held on Wednesday, June 28, 2017, from 9:00 – 10:00 AM with a Funeral Mass to follow at 10:30 AM at The Church of St. Joseph. Interment will take place at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah, NJ. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Dangler Funeral Home of West Orange, 340 Main Street, West Orange, NJ 07052. Father K. was a graduate of St. Cecilia's High School, Englewood, NJ where he played three years of varsity baseball. He attained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Seton Hall University before moving on to Immaculate Conception Seminary. Father K. was ordained into the priesthood on May 26, 1956. He served St. Joseph's Parish from June 1956-September 1968. In that same year he began his ministry to the students at Seton Hall Prep, where he also received an honorary diploma in 1993. Father taught Theology for over 30 years and made a huge impact on the athletic program serving as a baseball coach, moderator (1968 – 1969) and athletic director (1969-1974).He was also chaplain to the football and hockey team. His love of baseball brought him first to join Tony Verducci's staff (1969-1974), and then to take over as head coach (1974-1986). During this time that Father K. served as an assistant and head coach , the Prep celebrated as State Champions in 1969,1970,1977, as Greater Newark Tournament Champions in 1971,1983 and as Iron Hills Champions in 1983,1984 and 1986. Fr. Kilcarr was inducted into SHP Athletic Hall of Fame in1986. Father K. also coached the freshman baseball team from 1987-2016. Father was also very active in Essex County C.Y.O. basketball, baseball and track. On June 4th of this year the dugout on Porcello Field at the Kelly Athletic Center was dedicated to him in gratitude for his skill, wisdom, spirit and love for the game and for Seton Hall Prep's players and students. Father Kilcarr served as moderator of the Fathers' Club and also met with freshman students each year to conduct a spiritual review. He attended most all school activities and you would hear his voice on the phone wishing you a Happy Birthday or Happy Anniversary. Father Kilcarr is survived by 6 nieces and 2 nephews, several great nieces and great nephews, and great – great nieces and great -great nephews. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Doris Kilcarr. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Father Kilcarr's name to Seton Hall Prep or St. Joseph's Church. Letters of condolence may be posted at danglerfuneralhomeofwestorange.com.