Ken Auer

1946 – 2011

Holy Cross High School began its existence in September of 1955. While the school can today look back on a rich history of athletic achievement in many different sports, by the start of the school year in 1963, Holy Cross was still without a varsity championship.

That changed in the autumn of 1963. The stars aligned that year... new coach, veteran players, and Kenny Auer was the team´s starting quarterback. He led a talented group of athletes as Holy Cross emerged as CHSFL champions that season. Kenny led our offense through that wonderful season. Kenny liked to say that with the team we had, all he had to do was hand off the ball. But he was being much too modest. He called the plays, and had the confidence and leadership to direct our offense. Among many great plays Ken made that season, his successful pass on an improvised play for a two–point conversion was instrumental in securing the 11–8 win in the championship game against Chaminade. Kenny achieved All–City and All Catholic Quarterback honors that season.

After high school, Kenny attended Southern Connecticut State University. After college, he joined the US Navy. Following his military duty, he joined the NYPD. As a motorcycle officer, Kenny was critically injured in 1976 by a negligent motorist and spent his remaining years confined to a wheelchair.

This was when Kenny´s leadership was truly tested, and never more fully on display. Kenny gave tirelessly of himself to the community. He was President and Trustee of the Levittown School Board of Education for 16 years. He was a Board Member and President Elect of the Levittown Kiwanis. Ken was a member of the Levittown Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Levittown Community Council. He sat on the Board of Directors and served as past president of the Levittown Baseball League. He was a member of the Levittown/Island Trees Youth Council. Ken was President of the Levittown Diamond Club (HS Baseball Parent´s Association). He was a volunteer for 13 years as a St. Bernard´s CYO. Newsday named Ken the 1988 Volunteer of the Year.

Every time we were in his company over the ensuing years, he had the same positive spirit that he exhibited as our starting quarterback. Life may have presented Kenny with a physical challenge that would have been overwhelming for many, but his spirit would never be defeated, nor prevent him from contributing so much to his community. For the rest of his life he continued to be an inspiration to anyone who knew him.

–  Frank Orzo & Art Louise, class of ´64.