WEST GRANVILLE – Joseph Michael Roit, Jr., 74, died peacefully in his home in West Granville on the evening of Saturday, November 2nd, 2024.
Joe was an individual thinker, self-taught in a wide array of passions for the arts and sciences.
Over the course of his life, he independently studied botany, mycology, ornithology, anthropology, and more, immersing himself fully into whichever field he delved.
He found creative expression and mastery working with stone, metal, and particularly with wood. An avid photographer, dedicated writer and voracious reader, he also enjoyed many genres of films and supported live music of all kinds.
A plumber by trade, he always appreciated “a well job done.”
He was most widely known, however, for his great love of the outdoors. His thoughtfully conceived gardens of native plants were true works of art. Generous with his knowledge and enthusiasm, many credit Joe for instilling them with a sense of wonder, respect, and reverence for the natural world. “Sit quietly in the woods and see what comes to you,” he would suggest.
Joe became adept at whatever he chose to accomplish through a stubborn determination. He refused to compromise his ambitions.
His curious and adventurous spirit led him on many journeys, including extended camping trips above the Arctic circle, deep into the Peruvian Amazon, and in the Caribbean islands. He led countless backpacking excursions with friends and family throughout the Northeastern United States and Canada, especially enjoying the challenge of winter hiking and ice climbing in his beloved White Mountains.
Joe was born in Westfield to Joseph Sr. and Grace (Faulkingham) Roit. He graduated from Westfield high school, shortly thereafter moving to Granville with his wife Christine, where they thrived in the close-knit community and unspoiled woods. One of his deep joys was watching those very woods ‘come alive’ in the spring.
He is survived by his brothers David and Robert, cousins, nieces and nephews, Christine (Wood) Schultz, his ex-wife of 40 years, and his longtime companion, Paula. Among the many who will miss him dearly are his close friend and business partner, Joe Pumiglia, and Shawn Bliss, who was like family. Joe’s independent spirit lives on in his loving daughters Gwendolyn and Heather, four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring at Bliss Farm, where Joe was deeply appreciative to have lived for the past 10 years.
