Owner Of Somerset Patriots, Steve Kalafer, Dies From Cancer At 71

BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Owner of the Somerset Patriots, Steve Kalafer, died Wednesday morning from cancer at the age of 71, the team announced.

Kalafer and his family have owned the Somerset Patriots since the very beginning, 23 years ago, and brought the team to Somerset County.

"We are completely heartbroken by Steve's passing. Everyone who ever came into contact with him over the years knows just how special a person he was," said Somerset Patriots President/General Manager Patrick McVerry. "He built his dealerships and this team from the ground up with the customers, employees, his family, and the communities served always as his top priorities. He taught us all the value of doing things the right way, of taking the time to build long-lasting relationships, and making a difference wherever you can. To say that he will be missed is an understatement."

Kalafer was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, where the team has played since the 1998 season. He transitioned into the role of Chairman Emeritus in the fall of 2018, when his sons Jonathan and Josh stepped into the roles of Co-Chairmen, according to the Somerset Patriots.

One of his biggest achievements was when the Somerset Patriots announced the team's selection as the new Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Read More: Somerset Patriots Announce New York Yankees Partnership

Known for his community involvement, Kalafer was very much ingrained in the Somerset County community in so many ways.

"I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that Steve Kalafer passed away earlier today. Steve has been a vital member of the Somerset County community for decades as a businessman, an advocate for health care and the arts, and primarily as an extremely generous benefactor and friend," said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson. "Over the incredibly difficult past 13 months, Steve has been vital to so many people by ensuring that our food banks were filled during the holidays, pushing for advanced medical services at RWJ Somerset, and even entertaining us with baseball during the height of the COVID pandemic after the Patriots season was canceled."

Kalafer served as the Chairman of the Flemington Car and Truck Country Family of Brands with showrooms and service centers in eight locations and 17 franchises.

He was the Chairman Emeritus of the Somerset Health Care Foundation and serves on the Board Of Directors of RWJBarnabas Health. Kalafer was an Associate Trustee of the board of New Jersey Manufacturers Insurance, a Co-Chair of the Chairman's Council of The Actors Fund of America, and recently retired as a trustee of the Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation. He and his wife Suzanne have two sons, Jonathan and Josh, and five grandsons.

"I was absolutely shocked and saddened today to hear about the passing of Steve Kalafer. Steve has left an indelible mark on Bridgewater Township over his accomplished life. Not only with his various business endeavors but with his contributions to and philanthropy on behalf of this community," said Mayor Matthew Moench. "On behalf of the residents of Bridgewater Township, I wish to pass my sincere condolences to Steve's wife and children during this most difficult time and once again thank Steve and the Kalafer family for the significant work they have done in and for our community. It will not soon be forgotten."

This past October, a scuplture was erected outside the Somerset Patriots stadium in Bridgewater in honor of Kalafer and Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle as a gift from Kalafer's sons. Read More: Sculpture Unveiled To Honor Steve Kalafer And Sparky Lyle

"There is no one like Steve Kalafer. From the first day I met him, I loved him. He treated everyone like family and made you feel like the most important person in the world," said Somerset Patriots Manager Emeritus Sparky Lyle. "He was the Somerset Patriots, and it will be up to all of us to carry his vision long into the future."

Services will be private. The Somerset Patriots and the Kalafer family will be planning a celebration of Steve's life at the ballpark at a later date.

"Steve was a loving family man, an all-star in business, including as founder of the Somerset Patriots, and a dedicated philanthropist who cared about improving his community," said Senator Tom Kean. "He truly lived a Hall of Fame life that should serve as a model for us all."

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