Rev. Kenneth M. Molinaro C.S.C.

REV. KENNETH M. MOLINARO, C.S.C.

June 30, 1948 – February 10, 2026

NOTRE DAME, Ind. – Rev. Kenneth Michael Molinaro, C.S.C., 77, died at Holy Cross House, Notre Dame, Ind. on February 10, 2026.

Fr. Molinaro, C.S.C. was born in Chicago, Ill. on June 30, 1948 to Salvatore and Patricia (Hansen) Molinaro and is the second of five children. He attended St. Patrick's Elementary School in South Bend, Ind. and graduated from South Bend Central High School in 1966. After high school graduation, he enrolled in the candidate program at the University of Notre Dame. He entered Holy Cross Novitiate in Bennington, Vt. 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. He was granted a two-year regency from 1971-1973, to teach at St. Catherine Laboure School in Glenview, Ill. Also, during this time he received a degree as a Reading Specialist from the National College of Education in 1973. 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 September 4, 1976.

After ordination in 1976, Fr. Molinaro served as principal at Sacred Heart Grade School in Winnetka, Ill. until 1981 before serving as principal at Christ the King School in South Bend, Ind. until 1986. From 1986-1998, he served as principal at Notre Dame High School in Niles, Ill. before serving as the president there for an additional two years. From 2000-2003 he served as Assistant Provincial for the Indiana Province before serving as Assistant Provincial, Vicar from 2003-2012. He took a sabbatical from 2012-2013, before serving as Director of Novices at the Holy Cross Novitiate in Cascade, Colo. 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.

Fr. Molinaro was preceded in death by his parents. He 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.

A Wake Service will be held on Sunday, February 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Moreau Seminary and Scholasticate, Notre Dame, Ind. A Funeral Mass will be held on Monday, February 16, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. ET at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame, Ind. You may join via livestream at https://funerals.holycrossusa.org.

Burial will be in the community cemetery at Notre Dame. Kaniewski Funeral Home, South Bend, is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial contributions in support of the mission and ministries of the Congregation of Holy Cross can be made to: United States Province of Priests and Brothers, Office of Advancement,

P.O. Box 765, Notre Dame, IN 46556-0765 or online at https://donate.holycrossusa.org.