Justin Scott Cowen, 12, of Ridgefield, Passed Away

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Justin Scott Cowen was born on July 31, 2003 and passed away on August 3, 2016, three days before his 13th birthday. Justin was the beloved son of Ronee and Tom Cowen, and the brother of Brandon, age 17.

The Cowen's close family friend wrote on their GoFundMe page that on April 20, 2015 a lesion/tumor was found on the MRI taken of Justin’s neck after months of neck pain. On July 23, 2015, Justin was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.

Justin's parents posted the following message on the fundraising page on August 5:

"It breaks our hearts to have to share that our son Justin Cowen passed away the evening of August 3rd. A week prior he suddenly took an unexpected turn and we rushed him to the ER. He became unresponsive 2 days before his 13th birthday, never getting to see the cards and gifts that awaited him. He fought a long and hard battle for over a year and never ever gave up but sadly this disease is merciless. They say it’s a parent’s worst nightmare but it’s much worse. His brother, Brandon's heart is aching and the loss beyond unbearable."

The Ridgefield Newcomers notified their members by saying: "It is with tremendous sadness that we pass along the news that Justin Cowen, son of Tom and Ronee Cowen and brother to Brandon, passed away Wednesday night, August 3rd, after a long and courageous battle against osteosarcoma. The Newcomers Club of Ridgefield welcomed the Cowen family into the fold shortly after their move from New Jersey and have walked, prayed, and cared with them each step of the way. Although we join the family now in grieving over Justin's passing we also want to take a moment to celebrate his life and the impact he had on all of us during his brief time here."

Services to mourn the passing and celebrate the life of their incredible son, Justin Cowen will be held as follows:

Monday, August 8th

11AM - Graveside Service (Family and close friends) United Jewish Center Cemetery 210 Gray’s Bridge Road Brookfield, CT 06804 (Limited Parking) 1PM - Funeral Service Congregation Shir Shalom 46 Peaceable Street Ridgefield, CT 06877. Shiva at temple location immediately following service (meal of comforting). Members of the broader Ridgefield Community please consider Thursday’s memorial service event in lieu of Congregation’s capacity.

Tuesday, August 9th and Wednesday, August 10th

5:30PM - 8:00PM Sitting Shiva at: The Cowen Home

Thursday , August 11th - Evening ,time TBD

Memorial Service (Town of Ridgefield including friends of Justin) Lounsbury House 316 Main Street Ridgefield ,CT 06877.

Donations in Justin's memory are being accepted here.

Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Photo via GoFundMe