Bruce John Kafer

Bruce John Kafer, 75, died peacefully on May 29, 2024.

Born in Kew Gardens, Queens, New York to the late John and Laura Kafer (nee Ward), they moved to Middlesex, NJ when he was 9, where he was a graduate of Middlesex High School. Mr. Kafer went on to graduate from Lock Haven University with a B.A. in German and a minor in History.

He began his career at Summit Middle School and went on to start his over forty-year career at Somerville High School in 1972 teaching German. The next year, he took on the head coaching position for Track and Field, covering both the track team and cross country. His legendary career spanned over thirty-nine years, beginning by bringing a team together to become county and state champions. The countless hours devoted to his runners showed in all of their accomplishments. Track is an individualized team sport where the whole is as great as the single runner, which Coach Kafer took seriously. He was an accomplished track and field star at Middlesex High School and was able to relate his own experience with his athletes and truly understand their position. The impact he had on his athletes lasted a lifetime and spanned generations. Coach Kafer was inducted to the Somerville Athletic Hall of Fame, NJSIAA Hall of Fame, and the New Jersey State Coaches Association Board of Governors. He was an active S.E.A. Member and was awarded Teacher of the Year in 2008. Mr. Kafer was known for his resilient nature and being stubborn in the best way possible, which made him professional and personable. Students knew Mr. Kafer from his classroom next to the stairwell or his Head Ticket Taker position at all SHS Athletic Events.

In 1971, he met Laura Owens, who he instantly fell in love with and married shortly after in November 1972. Their love for each other was unconditional and will remain forever. They started their life together in Highland Park and settled to Somerset where they raised their two daughters, Caryn and Jessica. He was a professional Dad, always playing an active role in his daughter’s lives and inspiring them to become the best version of themselves. Attending countless athletic and school events for his girls, he led by example of how to show up for your family. One of his greatest promotions happened when his granddaughter Aleshia was born, and he became Grandpa. He loved being a part of her life and watching her play the viola and spending quality time together. Mr. Kafer showed that if there was a will, there was a way, and being resilient until the end, he embodied all that he believed. He was an inspiration not just to his family, but to his colleagues, students, athletes, and friends. His heroic nature creates a legacy amongst all of those who had the honor of knowing him.

He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Joan Godsen.

Surviving are his beloved wife, Laura Kafer, his loving daughters, Caryn Kafer Robinson (John), and Jessica Kafer Williams (Rob), his adored granddaughter Aleshia Kafer, his dear sister Judith Bostwick, as well as his nieces, nephews, extended family, SHS community, and dear friends.

Memorial visitation will be held from 4:00 to 8:00PM on Thursday, June 6, 2024 at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.

Funeral services will begin at 7:30PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Jim Valvano Foundation which supports cancer research. Click Here to Donate Online