A legacy of leadership, service, and heart
It is with deep sadness that Sun East Federal Credit Union shares the passing of Michael Kaczenski, former President and Chief Executive Officer.
To Michael, Sun East was far more than a place to work. He cared deeply about the credit union, its employees, and the members it served. Throughout 39 years of service, he helped shape an organization built on relationships, service, and community, values that remained close to his heart.
A Legacy of People-First Leadership
Michael began his Sun East career as a Teller/Intern in 1987 and went on to serve as President and CEO. Over his tenure at Sun East, Michael built lasting relationships with employees, celebrating their dedication, recognizing their contributions, and, above all, caring deeply about them as individuals. Throughout his leadership at Sun East, Michael believed that the strength of a financial institution was measured not only by its financial performance, but also by the relationships it built and the difference it made in people’s lives.
Under his leadership, Sun East continued to evolve, investing in technology, enhancing member services, strengthening its community involvement, and expanding opportunities for members to achieve their financial goals.
Michael also helped guide Sun East toward an important milestone, its 75th anniversary in 2024, celebrating generations of service and relationships within the community.
In his final years as CEO, Michael continued to champion a people-first philosophy, recognizing that Sun East’s success was made possible by the dedication of its employees, the commitment of its volunteers, and the trust of its members.
For Michael, Sun East was more than an organization he led. It was a community of people he genuinely cared about, and that commitment remains an enduring part of his legacy.
His dedication was recognized with Neumann University’s 2022 President’s Distinguished Alumni Award and the CrossState Credit Union Association’s William W. Pratt Lifetime Achievement Award as the 2022 Credit Union Professional of the Year. In March 2025, the Sun East team honored him with its Lifetime Spirit Award, a recognition especially meaningful to Michael and his family.
Remembering the person behind the leadership
Speaking on behalf of Sun East’s Board of Directors, Board Chair Joel Romaine reflected Michael’s larger-than-life presence, his devotion to colleagues, and the personal memories that will endure.
Michael was a giant of a man and a giant figure in Sun East’s history. He had a big personality, loved to laugh, loved his staff, and was dedicated to the credit union movement. Any successful institution stands on the shoulders of those who came before it, and much of our success today rests on Michael’s broad shoulders.
I will remember his kindness, his humor, even the image of that tall man in a Christmas elf costume, and his love of birds. He knew their names, their calls, and where they nested. I don’t think I’ll ever see another bird on the wing and not think of Michael.
— Joel Romaine, Chairman of the Board
Michael also found joy in the outdoors. He loved hiking, birdwatching, and spending time in the mountains, especially the Poconos. His active involvement with Natural Lands reflected his appreciation for the natural places he cherished.
Beyond Sun East, a legacy that continues
In a statement, Sun East new leader Jeff Gehris shared:
Michael’s legacy is woven into the history and heart of Sun East. He cared deeply about our employees and members, and his dedication to the credit union movement helped shape the organization we are proud to serve today.
While leadership changes over time, the values that define Sun East endure. Michael helped build a foundation of service, community, and genuine care for people that continue to guide us. We are deeply grateful for his contributions and the lasting impact he made. As we honor his memory, we remain committed to carrying forward the spirit of service that meant so much to him.
Our heartfelt condolences go out to Michael’s family, friends, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
— Jeff Gehris, CEO, and on behalf of all Sun East family
Sun East extends its heartfelt sympathies to Michael’s family, friends, former colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. His contributions will remain an enduring part of Sun East’s story.
Memorial arrangements
Wednesday, November 11, 2026
Pagano Funeral Home, 3711 Foulk Rd., Garnet Valley, PA 19060
Visitation: 1:00–3:00 p.m. | Memorial service: 3:00 p.m.
Funeral home: https://paganofuneralhome.com/7/Home.html