Kevin Antonio Escobar was born on November 18, 1992, in Morristown, New Jersey, to Antonio and Gloria Escobar. Kevin is survived by their parents and siblings: Thea, Daniel, Rachel, Samuel, as well as his niece and nephew: Sarai and Elijah.
In 2022, Kevin enrolled as a law student at the City University of New York School of Law (CUNY Law), where he excelled academically. Kevin, co-founded and led several student groups and initiatives. Kevin was honored to receive many grants and scholarships, and was proud of his internship with NY Civil Liberties Union.
Prior to law school, Kevin championed a first-of-its-kind statewide survey documenting immigrant individuals’ access to reproductive healthcare. Kevin also co-founded Les Monarcas de Barro, a clayworks project fused with a community-organizing and care curriculum.
Kevin was loved by many and loved deeply. With a belief that our world could change for the better, Kevin successfully advocated for immigrant justice and racial justice with Wind of the Spirit Immigrant Resource Center and Black Lives Matter Morristown, leading marches throughout the state of New Jersey and lobbying before the NJ legislature for reforms. During the height of the COVID-19, pandemic, Kevin volunteered delivering food, medicine, masks, and funds to New Jersey’s most vulnerable residents.
With the gift of a soulful singing voice and as a skilled guitar, Kevin serenaded those he loved most. Notably, Kevin won their high school’s Battle of the Bands and performed at The Stone Pony. Kevin’s smile, cackle, and presence will be deeply missed. We will remember our beloved Kevin Escobar with roses and Charlie Garcia’s songs.
The viewing will be held on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 from 10:00am to 1:00pm with the funeral service beginning at 1:00pm at Cochran Funeral Home. The burial will be at Pequest Union Cemetery, 30 Cemetery Road, Great Meadows, NJ 07838 immediately following the service.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. Those wishing to leave an online condolence may do so at www.cochranfuneral.com
*******ALL SERVICES HAVE BEEN CHANGED TO 12:00 NOON****
Condolences(14)-
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Fiona Hellerman says
September 29, 2024 at 8:28 pmSuch a brilliant light, a truly selfless advocate for everyone. I am so thankful we met at CUNY, I’m thankful for our friendship, your kindness, your work in the community. It is such a blessing to have spent time together, however limited. Sending love and condolences to everyone who had the privilege to know or have their life touched by such a person.
Gabriela MacPherson says
September 29, 2024 at 11:49 pmKay, you brought so much good into this world– rest in power <3
Debbie Gonzalez says
September 30, 2024 at 3:31 amKevin was a wonderful and free spirit. I enjoyed having him as a student and loved when he came back to visit and tell me of his adventures. He will be missed.
Max Aidala says
September 30, 2024 at 2:24 pmWhen I think of my friend Kay, the things that come to mind more than anything else are their passion & drive to stand up for what they believed in, their love of music and their infectious laughter & joy. Even now I can still hear Kay’s laugh echoing through my head like they’re right here next to me.
Rest in peace, my friend. Until we meet in the next life I know that somewhere out there in the universe you’re still dancing, singing and laughing.
Brian Lozano says
September 30, 2024 at 5:13 pmKay, I love you so much. I will truly miss your cackle and smile and passion and creativity and love. Your work will not be in vain. I’m going to miss jamming out and listening to you sing and hiking. I wish I could hug you one last time, pop, and play aprendizaje one last time on our guitars.
L. Andershonis says
September 30, 2024 at 10:42 pmOh Kevin, how I loved having you as a student. Telling you over & over how you could accomplish so much – how bright you were! I enjoyed seeing as you grew up and all the wonderful paths you took. Rest in peace dear one.
Tess Juan Gaillot says
October 1, 2024 at 12:47 pmSending all my love to Kay’s family and loved ones. I know how much Kay loved you.
I was lucky enough to reconnect with you years after high school, as adults. You were going a mile a minute, accomplishing so many things and with so many dreams. It hurts to know that is all going to rest. I just hope you find rest and peace now too.
I’m remembering all the beautiful, shiny moments your brought me. All the excited late-night talks and debates. All the laughter (the belly aching ones) and the fun we had. You’ve been and you’ll be an important part of me for the rest of my days.
Sending all my love to the ones left here hurting.
Nina Chernoff says
October 1, 2024 at 10:22 pmKay was a bright light in the classroom, with so much energy, enthusiasm, and appreciation to share with others. May their memory be a blessing.
New York Civil Liberties Union says
October 2, 2024 at 2:29 pmKay was a beloved member of the New York Civil Liberties Union community. All of us who worked with Kay were instantly struck by their energy and light. They brought such enthusiasm, empathy, and hopeful determination to our work together. And throughout our time together, Kay unwaveringly approached their work with curiosity, kindness, and humor.
Kay’s passion for social justice and commitment to their community were inspiring, as was all they had done, so early in their life and career, to meaningfully improve people’s lives. We are devastated to lose such an exceptional advocate, colleague, and human being.
If we can do anything to support Kay’s family and loved ones during this time, please know that we are here.
With deep love and care,
The New York Civil Liberties Union
Lisa Laplace says
October 2, 2024 at 2:51 pmKay was such a passionate and humane person and advocate — one in a world that needed them.
I send my sincere condolences to Kay’s family, friends, and community and wish you all peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
With love,
Lisa Laplace
Jenna Ross says
October 2, 2024 at 6:14 pmI met Kay in September of 2022 at a Planned Parenthood rally in Trenton. I had just moved to NJ and I was looking to get more involved in causes I was passionate about. Kay instantly welcomed me into the fold and introduced me to the fervent world of reproductive justice activism in NJ. Without hesitation, Kay invited me to get involved with their organization, the Abortion Justice Committee of New Jersey. In every AJCNJ or Thrive Coalition meeting, I was blown away by Kay’s passion, kindness, intellect, and altruism. They had a special knack for making every single person feel purposeful, no matter their background or experience level. They taught me and so many others how to lean into our strengths for the sake of the cause. I was so heartbroken to learn of Kay’s passing – NJ and the world have lost a bright light. May their passion and warmth live on in all of us. Sending love and healing to their friends and family.
Natalie Gomez-Velez says
October 2, 2024 at 7:33 pmKay Escobar was an exceptional law student and member of the law school community. Kay believed strongly in using law and organizing to create a more just and inclusive society. Kay led with caring, empathy, and love. Kay took law study seriously – always prepared for class and contributing to class discussion. It was a privilege to have Kay as a law student in my constitutional structures class. Kay will be deeply missed. My sincere condolences to Kay’s family, friends, fellow law students, and all who knew, loved, and valued Kay.
“May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.” Shakespeare
Jami Thall says
October 6, 2024 at 7:59 pmIt was my great pleasure and privilege to get to know Kay. Their exuberance was contagious and brought so much love and light to our work together.
I met Kay when they joined the Thrive Coalition representing AJCNJ. From the start Kay brought such energy, passion and joy to our coalition work for reproductive justice. They were always focused on justice and inclusion, and always lifted those principles up to make sure they were the center of our work. And who could forget that fabulous smile?
My sincere condolences to Kay’s family, friends and all who loved them. Kay will be missed by so many, a bright light gone way too soon.
Jen Tiner says
November 6, 2024 at 2:50 pmI am so, so sorry for your loss. I have no words; I only just found out today.
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