NJIT Mourns the Loss of Steve Kalafer, Board of Overseer and 'Renaissance Man'

The university is saddened to share the news that Steve Kalafer, a member of the Board of Overseers since 2014, passed away earlier today, following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.

Steve was a genuine “Renaissance man.” He was a tremendously successful businessman and entrepreneur who founded the Flemington Car and Truck Country family of dealerships and owned the Somerset Patriots, a real estate developer who helped to revitalize Bayonne’s waterfront, an Academy Award-nominated documentary film producer, a philanthropist who gave generously to hospitals, schools, and universities, a trusted advisor to government officials from both parties, and a mentor to all who had the good fortune to spend time with him. His many impressive gifts, talents, and achievements, together with his seemingly boundless interests and joie de vivre, made him a truly larger than life presence. Among his notable honors, he was elected to the New Jersey Hall of Fame last year.

Steve always had a special place in his heart for NJIT. He was a tireless advocate and ambassador for our university, attended and hosted countless events, and gave generously to Celebration and to our athletics and scholarship programs. Earlier this year, he and his family established and endowed a major scholarship that will support our hardworking student-athletes who come from financially modest means. In recognition of this seven-figure gift, NJIT will create the Kalafer Family Academic Learning Studio on the third floor of the WEC.

Steve received the President’s Medal for Lifetime Achievement at Celebration 2008, and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters at last year’s virtual Commencement exercises. Ever the inspiring leader, Steve shared with our graduating students last May the following bit of wisdom and encouragement: “COVID-19 has changed the world as you know it, but you are going to change the world as we know it.”

Steve is survived by his wife Suzanne, his sons Jonathan and Josh, and five grandchildren.

At the family’s request, a private burial service will be conducted on Friday. A public celebration of Steve’s life will likely take place in mid-May, and details will be shared as they become available.