Mr. Joshua Alexander Rovou

ALEXANDRIA, VA/UTICA - Joshua Alexander Rovou, 28 years young, passed away on Friday, June 12, 2020 in Alexandria, Virginia. His cause of death is still pending. Born in Utica on August 9, 1991, Joshua was the son of Janice L. “Cookie” (Papa) Rovou and the late Nicholas J. Rovou. He was a graduate of New Hartford Senior High School/Class of 2009. He pursued his higher education at Binghamton University, Harpur College of Arts and Sciences where he achieved both a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in math and music. In August of 2018, he relocated to Virginia, a place he loved, and worked as a Statistician for LifeLenz in Washington, DC. While he had a lot left to offer the world, it doesn’t minimize what he had already achieved. Although the baby of the family, he easily had the biggest brain of everybody and from a young age, it was apparent he was a mathematical genius. His skills in math and analytics were beyond the comprehension of most. However, his artistic abilities were equally as robust. The dude had a passion for video games, especially The Legend of Zelda (and all things Nintendo), and Halo. He loved Queen and Oasis (to name a few…), played the guitar, sang, and taught himself piano. He was a great chef that was proud of his Italian heritage, especially the delightful cuisines unique to Central NY; he dreamed of opening his own pizza place one day. The drive he showed to learn and better himself was an inspiration to all who knew him. He was the hardest of workers and extremely loyal to his friends. Brutally honest, yet as compassionate as they come… he always offered his unedited honest opinion. He marched to the beat of his own drum in a way like nobody else ever has. He wisely eschewed societal norms that didn’t make sense to him, and always had a refreshing perspective to offer those around him… sometimes whether they wanted to hear it or not! He was very concerned with the extremes that have become normalized in American society, particularly our over-obsession with work, declining sense of community, and the classism that exists which makes personal success much harder for some than it is for others. To pay honor to Josh, please do your part to make our country a kinder, more equitable, and balanced place. He leaves his mother, Janice “Cookie” (with whom he had an incredibly strong bond of love) and stepfather Ronald Joseph; his brothers, Nicholas C. Rovou, Christian B. Rovou & Lizzie Molloy, and the memory of his brother Jeremy N. Rovou who preceded him on January 10, 1986; step siblings, Joshua & Rose Joseph, and Courtney Joseph whom he hadn’t met, but was looking forward to doing so; aunts and an uncle, Janet Leo with whom he shared a special bond and who was also his Godmother, and Joan & Richard Lee; cousins, especially Renee Leo, Frank & Brenda Leo, and Marc & Savannah Leo; and a special great-cousin, Brittany. Finally, he leaves his special friends, including Ralph “Trey” Cleary, a childhood friend who was like a brother; Nicole Rahn, never to be forgotten, Jibron Harris, a long-time college friend and fellow gamer, Michael Schepsis, his “sanity” in college, Devon Lash, college bud and gaming partner, and let’s not forget Larry!!! He also leaves a very special lady, Diane Carville who respected Josh and was like an aunt to him. Finally, he leaves his beloved Bun Buns, Ferdinand and Isabella…He was predeceased by his father Nicholas J. Rovou, maternal grandparents, Carmen & Gladys (Papa) Loconti; paternal grandparents, Charles & Carmella Rovou; Godfather and uncle, Frank Leo; and his “furry brothers”, Ringo and Buddy. The family will commemorate Joshua’s life at a private time. His funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday morning at 10:30 at Historic Old St. John’s Church, located at 240 Bleecker St, Utica, NY, where he was baptized. If you should be a visitor to the Mass please arrive a few minutes earlier so you may register and be seated. Please use parking lot entrance. Masks are required. Memorial contributions in Joshua’s honor may be made to the family as they hope to establish a Scholarship Fund at New Hartford Senior High School to award a graduating senior who is blessed in mathematics. Interment will take place in Calvary Cemetery at the convenience of the family. “Blackbird singing in the dead of night Take these broken wings and learn to fly All your life You were only waiting for this moment to arise https://youtu.be/JiL5JpUtjqY

Mr. Joshua Alexander Rovou

August 9, 1991 - June 12, 2020