Roy Gershowitz

Remembering Roy Gershowitz: A Life of Laughter, Loyalty, and Legacy

Roy Gershowitz leaves behind him his sister Karen, son Scott, daughter-in-law Sherrie, and granddaughter Brianna. He had a special bond with Brianna; they loved spending time together.

Roy was a helper from the start. As a kid, his friends came to him to cheer them up—he had that gift, that natural ability to lift your spirits just by being himself. That never changed. His humor was a gift that he bestowed freely, to family, friends, neighbors, and probably a few bewildered strangers who left smiling and not quite sure why.

A loyal Brooklyn Dodgers fan in his youth, Roy took their departure to L.A. as a personal betrayal. But he rallied, eventually bestowing his loyalty on the Mets. Baseball was more than a pastime for Roy—it was a way to connect, to stay grounded, and to always have something to root for. He also had a passion for vintage and classic cars, and an endless fascination with current events and history.

Community mattered to Roy. He didn’t just live in his neighborhood, he showed up for it. He was an active citizen participant with the Central Islip Civic Council and Central Islip Public Library. He is an Alumnus of the Suffolk County Police Department Citizens Academy.

Even more meaningfully, found a deep sense of purpose in the Boy Scouts. He joined scouting in 1983 when his son Scott was just seven years old and wanted to join the Tiger Cubs. That was the beginning of an extraordinary 41 years of dedicated service to scouting, which continued until he became ill in 2024. He was extremely proud of this commitment.

Roy served as a Unit Commissioner for the Boy Scouts and was honored with the prestigious Silver Beaver Award, one of scouting’s highest adult recognitions. He mentored countless boys on their path to Eagle Scout and proudly served as master of ceremonies for scouting events. Wearing his uniform was a point of pride and a message about his values.

When Scott joined the Central Islip Fire Department in September of 1993, Roy became a proud supporter. He cheered him and his fellow fire fighters through more than 30 years of service. Roy’s pride in his son’s commitment was unwavering and deeply felt.

He constantly reminded those around him to be grateful for what they had and was quick to celebrate even the smallest victories. Roy had a gift for making others feel proud of their efforts, especially when it came to Brianna.

Roy Gershowitz will be remembered for his warmth, his wit, and his unwavering belief in doing good—whether that meant offering guidance to a young scout, cracking a joke to brighten someone’s day, or just showing up with kindness. He leaves behind a family who loved him and a community that’s better for having known him.