Rev. Kevin Mackin OFM

Fr. Kevin Mackin, O.F.M. entered into eternal life on November 15, 2025 at Teresian House in Albany following a long illness. He was 87.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. on April 5, 1938, he was the son of Martin and Margaret (Walsh) Mackin. He is survived by his Franciscan brothers at Siena University and in the Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe; sister Maureen (William) Biesty; sister-in-law Joan Mackin; several nieces and nephews; and his friend and publicist, Janet Gianopoulus.

He earned his bachelor’s degree from St. Bonaventure University in 1960, a master’s degree in history from Siena in 1967, and four degrees – including a doctorate in sacred theology – from the Catholic University of America. He professed his first vows as a Franciscan friar in 1958 and was ordained a priest in Washington, D.C. in 1964.

Father Kevin’s life journey was instilled with wisdom, humility, and Franciscan joy. His long-time connection to Siena University (previously Siena College) began in 1970 when he joined the religious studies faculty there; he served as guardian of its friary beginning in 1975. He left Siena in 1982 to lead the former Christ the King Seminary in East Aurora, N.Y., then in 1988 became director of development and public relations for the Holy Name Province in New York, N.Y. He returned to Siena in 1996 to become the College’s ninth president, stating in his inaugural address the importance of Franciscan values: “Devotion to Christ touches directly on our mission here at Siena.” Until 2007 he presided over transformative improvements in both campus facilities and academic programming. His years of service as president, professor, and mentor left an indelible mark on the campus community because of his vision and his unwavering belief in the transformative power of education founded on the teachings of St. Francis.

After leaving Siena a second time in 2007, he took a year of sabbatical then served as president of Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, N.Y. from 2008 to 2014. He retired to St. Petersburg, Florida in 2014, where served as a parochial vicar at St. Raphael’s Parish until 2020, and as chaplain to the St. Petersburg Police. He moved to Teresian House in Albany in 2025.

Father Kevin maintained many professional affiliations: he chaired the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Council of Presidents, and served as commissioner of the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. He was on the board of directors of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, and was a trustee of the Commission on Independent College & Universities in New York.

His publications included Christian Unity – The Next Step ‘That They May All Be One,’ Enjoying God’s Gifts and Integrity: Living God’s Word, and he appeared as a guest on numerous radio and television programs to speak about spirituality and religious identity. His numerous awards include the Department of the Army’s Commander’s Award for Public Service, a New York State Legislative resolution honor, a Tech Valley Business Hall of Fame Award, and a Teresian Community Service Award.

A wake will be held at St. Mary of Angels Chapel at Siena University on Thursday, Nov. 20 from 4PM to 7PM. His funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 10:30 am at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 65 Bartholdi Ave., Butler, NJ, with burial following at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 52 Totowa Road, Totowa, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Fr. Kevin’s memory may consider a gift to the Fr. Kevin Mackin, O.F.M. Scholarship or the President’s Franciscan Mission Fund at Siena University (Office of Development, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211).

For those who would like to explore additional ways to celebrate Fr. Kevin’s legacy, Mike Utzig, Director of Mission Support, would be grateful to assist. He can be reached at 518-783-2914 or mutzig@siena.edu