Steven H. Kerchner ’98

The Class of 1998 mourns the loss of Steve, who died Sept. 19, 2023, after a five-year journey with colon cancer.

Steve lived in the Washington, D.C., region before and after Princeton. He came to us from Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Northern Virginia.

Computer science, in particular, fascinated Steve and would become his undergraduate major. He went on to earn a master’s degree in systems engineering from the University of Virginia and made his career in technology. For the 10 years preceding his death, Steve was chief digital officer for the American College of Cardiology.

At Princeton, Steve was a member of Rockefeller College and Campus Club. His friends recall his warm smile, laid-back humor, kindness, and many talents. He played trumpet in the University Orchestra and led his section as co-principal. He was active at the Center for Jewish Life and blew the shofar at the high holidays. “He was a wonderful trumpet player,” a classmate recalled, “and also a true mensch.” Steve last visited campus for his 25th reunion in May 2023.

Steve is survived by his wife, Rachel; their children Jonah, Aaron, and Shira; and his parents, Marcia and Robert Kerchner.