Obituary of Roosevelt Lazaro Urena

Roosevelt Lazaro Urena, 42, born and raised in New York, NY, passed away with his loving family and most caring friends by his side at 12:49am on Tuesday, August 21, 2018 in Manhattan after complications from multiple sclerosis. He was born in what was then known Roosevelt Hospital (now St. Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital) to Jose Lazaro Urena and Maria Petronila Urena on September 17, 1975. He attended elementary school at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, Mount St. Michael Academy High School, college at Binghamton University, and graduate school at University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University Teacher’s College. He studied social work, was a strong advocate of inner city children, taught English as a Second Language and had hopes to one day be a social worker and teacher. He loved Latin and Lionel Richie music, dancing, Haagen-Dazs ice cream, playing Santa Claus, and being a good son, brother, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend. He had a contagious laugh and was always up for a good prank. His tender love for all people made an impact on those who crossed his path. Aside from his aforementioned parents, Roosevelt is survived by his sisters and their partners - Karent Brodscholl (Jeff Brodscholl); Shirley Alvarez (Antonio Alvarez); and Krisna Urena (Michael D’Amore); nephews Matteo and Maximus Alvarez, and many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and close and adopted family friends and caretakers. The family will receive those wishing to express their condolences during this wake on Sunday, August 26, 2018 at Riverdale Funeral Home, 5044 Broadway, New York, NY 10034, from 3-8pm. His funeral mass will be held on Monday, August 27, 2018 at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, 71 Arden Street, New York, NY 10040, at 9am with interment to follow after funeral mass at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4199 Webster Avenue, Bronx, NY 10470. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent via https://www.gofundme.com/in-memory-of-roosevelt-lazaro-urena. Roosevelt’s family wishes to extend their sincerest thanks, gratitude, and appreciation to all those who cared in one way or another for Roosevelt throughout the years, those who visited especially those who traveled long distances to see him and those who took time out of their vacations to spend an afternoon or two with him. The company you provided him was priceless and will never be forgotten. The family would also like to thank all friends and family who provided any and all comforting messages and support during this painful journey. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Roosevelt Lazaro Urena, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.