John Michael Kevin Roarty 57, of Frenchtown NJ died on Thursday, May 31 at Hunterdon Medical Center in Flemington, NJ. John was born in Bay Village, Ohio to the late John and Margaret Roarty. John was raised in Colts Neck, NJ where he graduated from Freehold Borough High School.
John participated in the NJ special Olympics, winning medals in track and field, speed skating and bowling. He worked as a dishwasher at Huddy’s Inn in Colts Neck, NJ and later, in food preparation at Gourmet Vous restaurant in Red Bank, NJ.
John was an accomplished piano player. He performed at church ceremonies, nursing homes and at each of his sisters’ weddings. He also played for the governor of New Jersey. John’s talent and love of music brought joy to others.
With the assistance of Alternatives, Inc, John moved into his own apartment in Frenchtown, NJ where he resided for almost 30 years. He attended the ARCWORKS Day Program where he was part of a church cleaning crew and delivered Meals on Wheels. John developed lifelong relationships with his friends and the staff at Alternatives and ARCWORKS.
John enjoyed horseback riding, spending time in Vermont, playing Chinese checkers, going out to eat with friends and family, and working on his computer. He loved going for rides with staff and trips to McDonalds were his favorite. John enjoyed talking on the phone any chance he could get and had the impressive ability to remember any phone number.
John is predeceased by his parents. Surviving are his sisters, Carolyn Roarty and her companion Nick McDonough of Interlaken, Julia and her husband Quinten Johnson of Ocean Township, Kathy and her husband Sean Price of Neptune and six nephews and nieces, Raymond, Jack, Caroline, Erin, Charlotte, and Lucy.
Heartfelt thanks to Alternatives, Inc. and ARKWORKS staff and clients for the exemplary care and companionship they provided to John for many years – they are also his family.
John’s joy for life, sense of humor, honesty and love for family and friends enriched all those that had the pleasure to know him.
A memorial gathering will be held on Tuesday June 11th at Deal Golf and Country Club 1 Golf Lane Deal, NJ 07723. Visitation be from 10:30 to 11:00 followed by a Memorial Service at 11:00.
In lieu of traditional remembrances, please consider making a donation in John’s name to Alternatives Inc., 600 First Avenue, Raritan, NJ 08869 (www.alternativesinc.org) or the ARC of Hunterdon County Shelbourne at Hunterdon 53 Frontage Road Suite 150 Hampton, NJ 08827 (https://www.archunterdon.org)
For messages of condolence, please visit John’s tribute page at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com