Joseph F. Rovani Jr., 66, of Laramie, WY passed away on August 12, 2026.
Joe was born on December 22, 1959 in Somers Point, New Jersey, to Joseph Rovani Sr. and Joan Wiedemer. He graduated from Manhattanville University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1982, after which he met his wife, Margarita, with whom he shared 39 years of marriage. He was the proud father of Emma and Sam and father-in-law to Joey. He is also survived by his mother Joan and brother Larry (Chris), and was preceded in death by his father, Joe Sr.
Joe was extraordinarily capable, the kind of person who could do just about anything he put his mind to. He was kind and helpful, and generous with his talents and his time. He also had a wonderful, witty sense of humor, which helped him make friends easily, and he was a friend to nearly everyone he met.
An accomplished research chemist at Western Research Institute for 38 years, Joe had 40 patents and numerous inventions to his name over the course of his career. His intelligence, curiosity, and ability to solve problems were evident not only in his professional accomplishments, but in nearly everything he took on. For the past two years, he worked as a facilities manager for the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Wyoming, where he quickly found his place and earned the respect and affection of everyone around him.
Joe loved hunting, skiing, hiking, and biking, and especially loved sharing those things with his children, who have many fond memories of outdoor adventures with him. He also loved traveling with his family, and some of his happiest times were spent exploring new places or simply being outside with the people he loved. Joe also had a strong, personal faith with God that was an important part of his life.
Joe will be deeply missed by his family and by the many friends and colleagues who were fortunate to know him. Those who loved him may find him again on a mountain trail or in the vast, wide-open prairie, in the quiet of the outdoors he loved so much.
In keeping with Joe’s wishes, no services will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation or to a charity close to your heart.