In Memoriam: Father Kenneth Molinaro, CSC

NOTRE DAME, IND. Holy Cross Father Ken Molinaro died Feb. 9 at age 77 at Holy Cross House in Notre Dame, Indiana.  Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 16 at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, followed by burial in the community cemetery. 

Father Molinaro was born in Chicago on June 30, 1948,  to Salvatore and Patricia (Hansen) Molinaro. He attended elementary and high school in South Bend, Indiana. He entered Holy Cross Novitiate in Bennington, Vermont, on July 15, 1968, making his first vows on July 16, 1969. He returned to Notre Dame and graduated in 1971 with a degree in sociology. From 1971-1973 he taught at St. Catherine Laboure School in Glenview, Illinois.  He returned to Moreau Seminary to complete his studies for the priesthood, earning a master’s degree in theology from the University of Notre Dame, and was ordained a Holy Cross Priest on Sept. 4, 1976.

After ordination, Father Molinaro served as principal at Sacred Heart Grade School in Winnetka, Illinois, and Christ the King School in South Bend, Indiana. From 1986-1998, he served as principal at Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois.  From 2000-2012, he served in leadership roles for the Congregation of Holy Cross Indiana Province. He took a sabbatical from 2012-2013 before serving as director of novices at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Cascade from 2013-2021. In 2022, he finished his time at the novitiate and resided at Holy Cross House in Notre Dame, Ind., until his passing in 2026.

Father Molinaro is survived by his brothers Joseph and Daniel and sisters Anna Grace Riblet and Kathleen Carpenter. He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.