Obituary of Kevin Anthony Rovito

On Monday November 14, 2022, Kevin Anthony Rovito, loving husband, father, friend, and “Coach”, passed after a 12 year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Kevin was born on February 3, 1954 in Tupper Lake, NY. He was the son of Tony and Greta Rovito.

The breadth and depth of Kevin's passions, skills, relationships, responsibilities, achievements, and hobbies are inordinate. A tenacious worker since his early days, Kevin spent much of his youth working with his father at the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake and skiing at Big Tupper. He graduated from Tupper Lake High School in 1973 where he participated in many athletic disciplines. Later, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his outstanding football performance. He continued his football and education at St. Lawrence University where he was also inducted into the Hall of Fame. His teaching career began at Stockbridge Valley CSD and then Mayfield CSD in 1980, where he met his wife, Eileen. They team-taught Physical Education and coached athletics together for 26 years. Over his 29 years of teaching and coaching, Kevin coached nearly every sport the school had to offer, whether he had a background in the sport or not. 5 NY State Titles, among many regional, sectional, division, and independent accolades, led to the dedication of the “Rovito Gymnasium”, by the school and community, in 2021.

Beyond these prestigious honors were the lives he impacted. Kevin's care for his students, athletes, peers, and family was untenable. Kevin lived life with fervor in all he did; never taking no for an answer, pushing us to new limits beyond our own understanding, loving people in highs and lows with a supernatural depth, and sharing a propensity for activity that encouraged everyone around him.

In his personal life, Kevin was a passionate outdoors and renaissance man. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, hiking, waterskiing, downhill skiing, serving at his church, and carpentry (among many others). His closest friends, his most cherished memories, and everyone’s favorite stories are with the people he shared these experiences with.

Kevin leaves behind his wife of 36 years, Eileen, their sons, Ryan (Kasey) and Mitchell (Brielle), their chosen daughter Nicki (Jimmy) Eschler, their grandchildren, Alice Rovito and Malachi Eschler, and a sister Connie (Mitch) Robillard. A close-knit extended family comprised of his mother-in-law Karen Buehler, brother and sister- in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends that were like family, were all a source of great pride for Kevin.

An intimate, private memorial service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2022 with a live-stream option for the public. Please visit the Mayfield Central Presbyterian Church’s website for access to the live stream. A Celebration of Life will occur in the summer of 2023. Those who are compelled may support the Alzheimer's Association of Northeastern New York, 4 Pine West Plaza, Suite 405 Albany, NY 12205 or Mountain Valley Hospice, 108 Steele Avenue, Gloversville, NY 12078 in Kevin’s honor.

The staff of Walrath & Stewart funeral Home is honored to be caring for the Rovito family.