Former Ukrainian National Association president and community leader Stefan Kaczaraj dies
KERHONKSON, N.Y. – Stefan Kaczaraj, a former Ukrainian National Association (UNA) president and longtime Ukrainian-American community leader dedicated to his community and his family, died on August 10. He was 83.
Former Ukrainian National Foundation President Stefan Kaczaraj and his wife, Swiatoslawa (Siania), are pictured in 2016.
Mr. Kaczaraj, who was elected president of the UNA at its 35th Regular Convention in 2002, was remembered by many for his legacy of service, leadership and generosity. He served as the UNA’s president with distinction until his retirement in 2022. Under his leadership, the UNA flourished, and his tenure was marked by a commitment to the preservation and promotion of Ukrainian culture and community in the United States.
Mr. Kaczaraj served as a director of the Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union for more than 30 years, including a period as chairman of the Board of Directors. Since 2004, he was chairman of the National Council (Krayova Rada) of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, where he was instrumental in guiding the organization through critical years.
Mr. Kaczaraj was also an active member of the Ukrainian Museum, the Ukrainian Institute of America, and many other organizations that benefitted from his leadership and dedication. His work within these institutions left an indelible mark on the Ukrainian-American community, ensuring that Ukrainian culture and history remained vibrant and accessible for future generations.
Born on April 11, 1941, in Verbycia, Ukraine, Mr. Kaczaraj spent his early years in Ulm, Germany, before emigrating to the United States in 1955. The journey from war-torn Europe to America shaped his deep appreciation for freedom and hard work, values he would pass on to his children and grandchildren. In 1966, he graduated from City College with a bachelor’s degree in business administration, which set the stage for a long and successful career.
After completing his education, Mr. Kaczaraj joined the U.S. Army, where he served with distinction as a specialist fifth class in the Office of the Executive for Requirements in Washington, D.C. His time in the military was marked by his commendable performance, reflecting the discipline and commitment that would define his professional and personal life. He was honorably discharged in 1968, returning to New York where he would soon meet his future wife, Swiatoslawa (Siania), at a Ukrainian dance hosted by the Ukrainian Chorus Dumka. The two married in 1970 and spent the next 54 years together.
Mr. Kaczaraj began his professional career at the accounting firm of David Berdon & Co. in 1968 where he worked as a public accountant. His deep connection to his Ukrainian heritage led him to the in 1993, where he served for nearly 30 years, including over 25 years as an executive officer.
When not engaged in community activities, Mr. Kaczaraj enjoyed spending time at the Soyuzivka Heritage Center and being with his beloved family. He is survived by his wife, Siania, his daughters Adriana (Hal) and Talia (Barry), his grandchildren Alexa, Gregory and Ella, and his sister Maria (Michael). He was preceded in death by his parents, Anna (née Seniw) and Mykhailo.
Funeral services were to be held at St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Church in Whippany, N.J., on August 17, followed by burial at Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Cemetery in Campbell Hall, N.Y.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mr. Kaczaraj’s honor to the Ukrainian Catholic University, the Ukrainian National Foundation, Inc. (Ukrainian Weekly/Svoboda Press Fund), or the Ukrainian Museum.
source: The Ukrainian Weekly