Justin Scott Cowen
Justin Scott Cowen, age 13, of Ridgefield, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016, after a courageous 15-month battle against osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer. He was comforted by his parents and brother.
Justin is the precious son of Thomas and Ronee Cowen, born on July 31 in Hackensack, N.J.
He was a rising eighth grader at East Ridge Middle School, formerly attending the Ramapo Ridge Middle School in Mahwah, N.J. He was known everywhere for his big smile, beautiful blue eyes and unfettered politeness.
Justin had an insatiable love of sports, whether playing, watching or reporting on them. Justin played baseball, ice hockey and was an outstanding goalkeeper in soccer. He enjoyed skiing, advancing to the double diamonds at Hunter Mountain. Justin watched pro and college sports voraciously and loved sports video games. His career goal from the age of five was to be a sports reporter. He was thankful to get his first reporting credit for The Ridgefield Press covering a Ridgefield High School basketball game this past winter.
Justin’s battle with osteosarcoma inspired supportive efforts from many Ridgefielders, including East Ridge Middle School’s penny wars and head-shaving, Christmas caroling outside his house in December and, more recently, the Cruisin’ for Justin car show in July. Justin did the honors at the ceremonial lighting of Main Street’s holiday lights and threw out the first pitch for the Ridgefield Little League this year. Only here for 18 months, Justin loved Ridgefield and on the days when he felt well, he would visit Main Street and stop by for a hot dog at Chez Lenard and candy at Anila’s Variety Shop.
Justin will be sorely missed by his parents Thomas and Ronee and by his older brother and best friend Brandon. He will also be remembered by his maternal grandmother, Carole Trosterman, aunt, uncles, cousins and friends.
A memorial service is planned Thursday evening, Aug. 11, from 6:30 to 9 at the Lounsbury House, 316 Main Street, for the town including friends of Justin.
Services for family and close friends took place Monday at Congregation Shir Shalom on Peaceable Street and at the United Jewish Center Cemetery in Brookfield. The family is sitting Shiva at their home Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 9 and 10, from 5:30 to 8 each evening.
Details on Justin’s services can be found at: http://www.jowdykanefuneralhome.com/service_schedule_obituaries.htm
In lieu of flowers, kindly consider a memorial contribution to the Zach Sobiech Osteosarcoma Fund.
You can learn more and donate here: childrenscancer.org/zach/
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