Dominic Rovano
March 20, 1980 - Nov. 11, 2025
Dominic “DJ” Rovano, 45, passed away on Nov. 11, 2025, after a short but courageous fight with cancer. Born on March 20, 1980, at Portage Hospital, Dominic grew up in Hubbell, surrounded by the natural beauty and a close-knit community that shaped his grounded, humble spirit and his deep sense of responsibility to others.
Dominic graduated from Lake Linden Hubbell High School in 1998 and went on to earn his undergraduate degree from Central Michigan University and later completed his MBA at The Pennsylvania State University.
Following many years living and working in New York City, he made his home in Croton-on-Hudson, New York, where he and his family created a life filled with warmth, laughter, music, and love.
Dominic was married to his college sweetheart, Katie, for 21 years, sharing 25 years of partnership rooted in devotion, friendship, and joy. Though their time was cut heartbreakingly short, the relationship was an epic love story–one that inspired everyone fortunate enough to witness it. Together they raised their children, Marilyn and Teddy, who were the center of their world. Dominic embraced fatherhood wholeheartedly, encouraging his children to grow into kind, confident, and compassionate people. Family was his greatest pride, and their home was his favorite place to be.
He is also survived by his loving parents, Bruce and Karen Rovano, and his sister, Jennie Rovano, with whom he shared lifelong closeness and an unbreakable bond.
Dominic was known for his contagious, unmistakable laugh–a bright, joyful sound that filled every room. He was the life of every gathering. Dominic had a remarkable ability to make people feel cared for, seen, and valued. Whether comforting a friend, offering guidance to a coworker, or simply listening, he always put others first and had a natural calming force to him.
A lover of all things Northern Italian–its food, wine, culture, and traditions– Dominic found great happiness in the kitchen, preparing elaborate meals and signature cocktails for the people he loved.
He was the ultimate host, never missing a detail: the perfect playlist, the ideal wine pairing, the right candle burning in the background. Dominic created environments that made people feel welcome, cared for, and at home. As much as he loved entertaining at home, he equally enjoyed seeking out the latest and greatest dining options in NYC (or any city that he traveled to), and was always the go-to person for recommendations.
Music was, and will continue to be, a constant in the Rovano home. His deep appreciation for live performances and the countless travels he shared with Katie to see Dave Matthews Band reflected his belief that life was meant to be savored. Dominic also loved the microphone, and rarely passed up an opportunity to karaoke.
He was a passionate football fan, proudly cheering for the Detroit Lions and the Penn State Nittany Lions, and sharing those traditions with family and friends. Dominic found joy in the simple pleasures of life–driving with the windows down, sunroof open, and his favorite tunes on a beautiful day; watching reality TV with Katie after the kids went to bed; cuddling with his rescue pup, Nutmeg; spending long, happy days at the beach during their annual trip to his “happy place,” Cape Cod.
He built a distinguished career at Armanino LLP, where he served as partner in charge of the New York City office, the firm’s tax market leader of NY, and the Professional Services Industry Leader. He led with steadiness and humility, empowering others and fostering an environment where colleagues felt supported and valued. Dominic was the person people sought out–not just for his knowledge, but for his ability to listen, mentor, offer a needed laugh, and guide with warmth and thoughtfulness. His leadership shaped teams, strengthened careers, and left a lasting imprint on the culture of the firm.
He was also deeply committed to his community, serving on the board of directors at Hamilton-Madison House in New York City, the board of governors of the Accountants Club of America, and as treasurer on the Board of Circle School in Croton-on-Hudson.
Dominic was a loving partner, a devoted father, a loyal friend, a true family man, and a source of strength, kindness, and fun to all who knew him. His warmth, humor, and generosity touched the lives of many, and his absence creates a void that can never be filled. As his father describes so perfectly, Dominic really was the “leader of the band.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Nov. 20, 2025, at 10 a.m. at St. Augustine Church in Ossining, New York, with a celebration of life to follow.
An additional memorial service will be celebrated in the Copper Country this upcoming summer.
In remembrance of Dominic’s life, the family invites you to honor his memory through one of the following options: supporting his children’s education by contributing to their 529 savings plan by visiting www.ugift529.com and entering the UGift code T18-R47 (please note, though the student listed is Marilyn, the fund will be shared between both Marilyn and Teddy) OR making a charitable donation to Circle School, an organization meaningful to Dominic and his family, by sending a check to Circle School, 119 Maple Street, Croton on Hudson, NY 10520 or via Zelle info@crotoncircleschool.org.
