The family of Rabbi Avrohom (Drew) Aronovitch is deeply saddened to announce his passing on May 17, 2017 at his home in Passaic, New Jersey. He had recently turned 55.
Drew was born in Winnipeg on April 25, 1961 to Brian and Penny (nee Parks). He grew up in south Winnipeg, attending Sir William Osler Elementary School and Grant Park High School, and University of Winnipeg.
Drew was gifted intellectually. He had a sharp and witty sense of humour and was always positive. Those who knew him state that he never uttered a negative comment about another person and he perpetually wore a trademark smile. He had an encouraging word for everyone he encountered, gave to others unendingly and never missed a moment where he might be able to lend assistance. Drew did not judge others and was respectful of people of all denominations. He strived to be a good person and his children reflect the standard Drew set.
Drew was held in high esteem in his community and his 90 minute funeral was one of the largest ever held in Passaic with over 800 in attendance. Eulogies were given by the three rabbis who knew him best, his sons Yehuda & Yehoshua, his son-in-law Eli (Hindy) and his father-in-law, Rabbi Chaim Blumberg. Of particular mention were that he was a true prince and he had a “glow’ about him.
When Drew left the doctor’s office 7 years ago with his cancer diagnosis and a sad/glum look, he determined that was not what people needed to see and he had a smile on his face by the time he was on a city street. His closest friend and confidant, Reb Ron Yitzchok Eisenman, said that Drew counted the past 4 years as a gift and never once uttered a word about feeling sorry for himself. Right to the end, he insisted there were others worse off than he was.
Drew is survived by his devoted wife Sara Devora; children Hindy (Eli, Dovid, Leah, Yechezkel, and Malki), Yehuda (Rachel and Yechezkel), Yehoshua (Sushy), Rochol (Shloimy), Bracha, Shoshana, Mordechai, Chana Rifka, Moshe Aaron, Esti, Dovid, and Tehila. He was predeceased by his son Akiva, and parents Brian and Penny. Left to mourn are his siblings Fraser (Marla, Lee, and Ben), Lois (Michael, Jamie, and Rachel), and Steven (Amy, Jaden and Lexi). As well, Drew will be sorely missed by his uncle Don Aronovitch (Beverly).
Avrohom’s death leaves both a enormous legacy and an enormous hole.
May his memory be a blessing to all.
Donations can be made to the Rabbi Avrohom (Drew) Aronovitch Scholarship at the Jewish Foundation of Manitoba or to a charity of your choice.
