Obituary for The Rev. Dr. Daniel L. Migliore

7/22/1935-3/2/2026

Daniel L. Migliore, devoted theologian, teacher, scholar, and lover of family, church, and community, died on March 2, 2026.

Daniel's seventy years in Princeton began in 1956 when, as a graduate of Westminster College (B.A., Summa cum Laude) and Danforth Fellow, he entered Princeton Theological Seminary.  He earned the B.D. in 1959, then was admitted with a Franklin Murray, Jr., Fellowship to Princeton University, where he earned the M.A. in 1962 and Ph.D. in 1964.  He has been an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A, and a member of the Presbytery of New Brunswick since 1962.

Daniel began teaching at Princeton Theological Seminary as Instructor in New Testament in 1962, was elected to the seminary faculty in 1966, and retired in 2009 as the Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology. He taught over 4000 students in his 47 years at Princeton Seminary, many of whom expressed gratitude for his wisdom, kindness, and commitment to preparing future pastors and church leaders for ministry in a complex, ever-changing world. Deeply grounded in Reformed theology, especially the theology of Karl Barth, he was able to clearly and winsomely present other theological perspectives; grounded in Christian faith, he was committed to interfaith dialogue and building bridges of mutual compassion and understanding. As one of his students put it: "You are my theological GPS."

His books include Called to Freedom: Liberation Theology and the Future of Christian Doctrine, The Power of God and the Gods of Power, Philippians and Philemon, and Rachels' Cry: Prayer of Lament and Rebirth of Hope (with Kathleen Billman). He edited several other books. His published essays, monographs, sermons, and book chapters number in the hundreds. His widely used introduction to theology, Faith Seeking Understanding, is now in its fourth edition (1991, 2004, 2014, 2023) and has been translated into several languages.

In addition to teaching (his first love) and writing, Daniel shouldered many administrative responsibilities during his years of service at Princeton Seminary, including serving as Director of Doctoral Studies (1970-71), Chair of the Theology Department for three terms of office, and Editor of the Princeton Seminary Bulletin (1988-94). He was an active participant in the American Theological Society, the Karl Barth Society of North America, and Duodecim. He served on many ecclesiastical committees, as well as participated in Princeton community activities, including the Granada, Nicaragua Sister-Cities Committee (1987-88), the Princeton Delegation to Granada (1988), and the Princeton Peace Coalition.

In May 2025, Daniel became the first recipient of the Daniel L. Migliore Distinguished Presidential Award for Faithful Leadership. "Named in tribute to beloved theologian and teacher Professor Daniel Migliore, this award celebrates individuals whose lives and work embody the very heart of Christian discipleship—courageous leadership, theological depth, and faithful service in the world."

Daniel was predeceased by his parents, Salvatore and Clara Migliore; his spouse of 57 years, Margaret Williams Migliore; his twin brothers Philip and Salvatore and brother-in-law Philip Frances.  He is survived by his spouse Kathleen (Kadi) Billman, daughter Rebecca Migliore (Ann Marie Cerciello), son Mark Migliore (Tamzin Anderson), grandsons Luca and Matteo, sister Grace Migliore Frances, sister-in-law Ann Migliore, and many nieces and nephews. Daniel's marriage to Kadi brought Adam and Kaylee Billman-Galuhn into Daniel's life, and their children James and Charles enjoyed their "Grandpa Dan."

A memorial service will be held (and live-streamed) at Nassau Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 18, 11:00 a.m.  Those wishing to honor Daniel's memory are encouraged to donate to the Salvatore and Clara Migliore memorial scholarship of Princeton Theological Seminary, Arm-in-Arm (which provides food, housing, and assistance to those in need), or Penn Medicine Hospice.