EL Somerset Patriots

Somerset Patriots Mourn the Passing of Chairman Emeritus Steve Kalafer

Published on April 21, 2021 under Eastern League (EL)
Somerset Patriots News Release


Bridgewater, NJ - The Somerset Patriots have announced that the team's Chairman Emeritus Steve Kalafer passed away on Wednesday morning from cancer at the age of 71.

"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. Everything we have here is because of his tireless efforts. We were fortunate to have such a wonderful chairman, father-figure, and friend. We know his sons Jonathan and Josh will help continue his legacy and our staff will strive to make him proud every day because we know he will always be with us, guiding our path and showing us the ways to succeed."

Kalafer was an unmatched entrepreneur, businessman, and philanthropist. In 1973, he entered the automotive industry and built one of the most respected and successful franchises in the United States with Flemington Car and Truck Country, Clinton Honda, and Jaguar Land Rover Princeton.

His dream of bringing professional baseball to Somerset County came to life when the Somerset Patriots played their first home game in June of 1999. He was a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and helped build the league into the premier independent league in the country and ultimately a Partner League of Major League Baseball.

Kalafer's love of baseball and the New York Yankees began with trips to Yankee Stadium with his father Milton, a tradition he continued throughout his life with his sons Jonathan and Josh and his grandchildren.

His love for the game and the Yankees was what made the announcement that his beloved Patriots were to be the iconic franchise's Double-A affiliate that much more special.

"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. "We became friends when he hired me to manage the Patriots and I learned so much from him about the right way to do things in life and how to conduct yourself in business. Every time I set foot in the ballpark, I will think of him with an unbelievable amount of love, respect, and appreciation. He was the Somerset Patriots, and it will be up to all of us to carry his vision long into the future."

In addition, Kalafer was a gifted producer of documentary films that led to three Academy Award nominations.

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.

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