Fr. Ken Molinaro, CSC Notre Dame, IN Death, Obituary: Remembering A Legacy Of Faith

With deep sorrow, the Notre Dame College Prep community mourns the passing of Fr. Ken Molinaro, CSC, whose steady leadership and faithful service helped shape the school during a defining chapter in its history. As former principal and the institution’s first president, he guided the school through growth and transition, leaving an enduring mark on its mission and identity.

Fr. Molinaro was known for his unwavering commitment to Catholic education. He championed academic excellence while ensuring that spiritual formation remained at the heart of the school’s culture. Under his leadership, programs expanded, traditions were strengthened, and a clear vision for the future took root. Faculty members recall his collaborative approach and his ability to inspire confidence and unity.

Yet it was his personal presence that many remember most. Fr. Ken combined humility with conviction, offering encouragement to students and mentorship to colleagues. He took time to know individuals by name, to listen thoughtfully, and to guide with both wisdom and compassion.

Alumni frequently credit him with shaping not only their academic journeys but also their character and faith. His influence extended beyond policy and administration, touching lives in quiet, meaningful ways.

As the school reflects on his life, it does so with gratitude for a servant-leader who believed deeply in education as a vocation. His legacy endures in the halls he once walked and in the countless students who continue to benefit from his vision.