LT STEVEN E. KADAS, USN

Class 1957

Born February 17, 1932

Died August 23, 1963

Age 31

Hometown Garfield, New Jersey

Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1957 Lucky Bag:

STEVEN EMERY KADAS

Two years at Stevens Institute of Technology and seventeen months as a white hat provided Steve with ample background before entering Annapolis. He called Garfield, New Jersey, his “podunk,” and someday he would like to see the Naval Academy modeled after his high school; it was co-ed with beer in every fountain. The “Champ” lost little time in establishing an enviable academic record, but he still found time to sample just about everything at Navy Tech, dragging: Brigade activities and lacrosse, but his favorite pastime was rooting for the Dodgers. With his hands in his pockets and his hat cocked to one side, Steve could always be counted on to come up with a good quip.

He was also a member of the 2nd Company staff (fall).

Loss

Steve was lost when his A-4 Skyhawk crashed into the ramp of USS Independence (CV 62), operating in the Mediterranean Sea, on August 23, 1963.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In April 1951, he received a scholarship at Stevens Institute of Technology provided by the Charles Hayden Foundation for students who show exceptional ability and promise.

Steven served as an airman in the Navy and received a fleet appointment to the Academy. He completed his first solo flight in December 1957 at Pensacola.

In June, 1950, Steven graduated from Stevens Hoboken Academy in New Jersey. He was president of his class. He received honorable mention for the Rensselaer Medal for mathematics and science.

On April 12, 1958, he married Kathleen Hazel Decker, a stewardess for Trans-World Airlines. His wife pinned on his “Wings of Gold” at the Naval Auxiliary Air Station in Kingsville in May, 1959. When Steven died, they had three sons: Steven 5, Michael 3, and Eric 2. They lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico. A funeral mass was said for Steven at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Albuquerque on August 31, 1963.

Steven’s father was a goods examiner at a woolen mill in Garfield, New Jersey. His mother was Mary, and brother Eugene.

From the Class of 1957’s 50th Reunion Book:

Steven Emery Kadas
Lieutenant, USN

Kathleen D. Kadas 7408 Mackenzie Drive NE Rio Rancho, New Mexico 87144

Children: Steven III (1959), Michael Eugene (1960), Eric Darrell (1961), Kirk Steven (1964)

Grandchildren: Cheryl Parker and Derik Warren, Rebecca Borrowman and Mikayla Kadas, Kassie and Kyndra Kadas

Great-Grandchildren: Jordan Parker

Steve graduated from the Naval Academy in 1957. After graduation he continued his training in Pensacola, Florida, Kingsville, Texas, then went back to Pensacola. In 1959 he received his wings and became a flight instructor.

After that he was an A-4 Skyhawk pilot attached to squadron VA-72 at Oceana Naval Air Station in Virginia. During these years we married and had three children. I wondered sometimes how I would get along when he was gone but with lots of letter writing, the kids to keep me busy, family, GOD and lots of good friends, I always managed to get through till he came back home.

VA-72 was deployed in INDEPENDENCE in August 1963. Seventeen days into the cruise Steven was killed while doing a night landing aboard the ship.

I was pregnant with Kirk at the time and he was born a little over five months after the death of his father. I always considered the time that I spent with Steve a blessing and have never forgotten him or the gifts from God that he gave me.

I am very involved with TWA Clipped Wings, Beta Sigma Phi, church and most especially my children and grandchildren.

Steve III (“Champ”) is married to Madeline and has two children, Cheryl and Derik, and works for the Department of Agriculture. Michael is married to Shelly and has two children, Rebecca and Mikayla, and has his own vehicle painting business. Eric is married to Kara and has two children, Kassie and Kyndra, and works for a Department of Energy airline service. Kirk is self-employed.

Steve may be gone all these years but his spirit lives on with me, our sons and grandchildren. Best Wishes to the Class of 57 and their Families.