Obituary of Gavin R. Barooah

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gavin R. Barooah of Ledgewood, New Jersey, on November 28, 2024, at the age of 19. Gavin's sudden departure leaves an irreplaceable void in the lives of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Gavin was born on October 27, 2005, in Denville, New Jersey, to Himal and Shanda (Baune) Barooah. He graduated from Roxbury High School in 2024, where he made a lasting impact on both his peers and his community. Gavin’s love for ice hockey was a defining part of his life. He began his journey in the sport through Roxbury’s youth program, and his dedication and skill propelled him to become a standout player throughout his high school years. His leadership qualities shone brightly when he was named captain of the Roxbury High varsity hockey team in his senior year. Gavin received multiple honors in the All-Haas Division in MCSSIHL throughout his hockey career, including first-team defenseman of the year in 2023-2024 and 2024 MVP. These accolades were a testament to his dedication, but it was his kindness, empathy, and ability to bring joy to everyone around him that made him truly special.

In addition to his passion for hockey, Gavin was deeply committed to fitness and athletics. He worked as an Assistant Manager at Alpha Fitness in Ledgewood, NJ, where he was recently promoted, a milestone that filled him with pride. Gavin’s determination, work ethic, and love for his family and friends were the cornerstones of his character. Known for his vibrant personality, he had an extraordinary ability to make everyone feel welcome and appreciated. His heart was big, his smile perpetual, and his spirit contagious. Gavin's love and support for those around him left a lasting impact on all who knew him. At just 19, he had already touched so many lives - not just as a gifted ice hockey player and captain, but as a loving son, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend.

Although Gavin’s physical presence is no longer with us, his memory will live on forever in our hearts.

Gavin is survived by his loving parents, Himal and Shanda (Baune) Barooah; his brothers, Brandon and Ethan Barooah, and his sister-in-law, Jane (Spitnale) Barooah; his grandmother, Debra (Baune) Jones; his uncle, Rumon Barooah, and his wife, Joysree Barooah; his aunt, Pomee Barooah; his aunt, Brittny Volmer, and her husband, Cody Volmer; his uncle, Lance Jones, and his wife Chemroen Jones; as well as several cousins, friends, and teammates who will carry his memory with them always. Gavin's best friends, Michael Agathis and Dylan Profaca, were like  brothers to him, and they shared a bond that will never be broken. Gavin was deeply loved by his late grandfather, Aroon Barooah, who sadly passed away just two days before Gavin.

  He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, former teammates, and the entire Roxbury High School community. 

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 4:00-8:00 PM, with a Celebration of Life service following at 8:00 PM at Leber-Lakeside Funeral Home, 150 Landing Road, Landing, NJ. All other services will be conducted privately.

Gavin’s untimely departure has left a deep wound, felt profoundly by all who knew him. His family appreciates the outpouring of love and support during this incredibly difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Roxbury High School Ice Hockey Booster Association, PO Box 632, Succasunna, NJ 07876 to create a Scholarship Fund in Gavin's memory.

Additionally, they invite all to share their memories and stories of Gavin on our memorial website, where his light will continue to shine through the love and stories of those who cherished him.