Statement from Commissioner Director Shanel Robinson on the Passing of Steve Kalafer

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. I’ve been honored to know and work with Steve for many years, especially during my three years as a Somerset County Commissioner.  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 cancelled.

Our hearts go out to his wife Suzanne, and their two sons and five grandchildren as they grieve this great loss.