Obituary of Jeffrey Allan Rosko

Jeffrey Allan Rosko

August 25, 1966 to September 5, 2024

Jeff Rosko of Stephenville, Newfoundland, much loved and respected in both his personal and professional lives, passed away September 5, 2024.

Jeff was diagnosed with cancer in June 2022 and fought his illness with courage and optimism, taking all treatments offered and available. He lived his last two years with hope and purpose, but sadly his treatment options were exhausted in August 2024 and Jeff passed away, surrounded by family and friends September 5, 2024.

Jeff was a loving, kind and generous person. He was a man to whom many turned for his advice and expertise. He was happy to share his knowledge, experience and skills. A man most comfortable with tools in his hands and a project on the go. A great listener, speaking only when he had something meaningful to say.

Jeff was born in Blind River, Ontario and spent his early years mainly in Blind River, Deep River and Ottawa, Ontario. In his early years he was a conscientious and dedicated student, he loved sports and tried and succeeded at many, including hockey, football and skiing. Sports taught him the importance of teamwork, a value he demonstrated throughout his life, working well with others. As a teenager he developed a love of the outdoors; fishing, hunting and helping out in a family run logging business in Kirkland Lake Ontario during the summers.

After graduating high school in Ottawa, Jeff attended Canadore College in North Bay, Ontario and graduated as an aviation mechanic. While pursuing this career in Oshawa he decided to train for his commercial pilot’s license. He excelled in both professions, becoming a mentor and trainer of others. As a pilot, he not only found his wings, his life as a pilot brought him to Newfoundland where he met his wife and has made his life. The bulk of his piloting career was with First Air, now Canadian North, rotating to Iqaluit, Nunavut for work and living in Stephenville, Newfoundland. At Canadian North his friends and colleagues often called him “Rosko” and remember him for his generous, inclusive nature.

Jeff was a man who wanted purpose to his days. While on his rotation at home in Stephenville he bought and renovated several rental properties, turned a family cabin on Gull Pond into a permanent home for him and his wife, helped many friends and family with their renovation or mechanical projects, hunted in season, and generally lived life to the fullest. He was unafraid to try new things, and self taught in many skills. He embraced community living in Newfoundland, finding pleasure in family and friends, driving or tinkering with his sports car, ATVing, snowmobiling, camping and in attending a good kitchen gathering.

Jeff will be forever loved and remembered by his wife and love of over 33 years, Dianne Brown; his daughter, Nancy Brown; his mother, Carol Rosko; his father, Michael Rosko (Debbie); his sister, Leslie Da Silva (Angelo); his brothers-in-law Derek Brown (Barb) and Carl Buffet; his granddaughters Isabelle and Avylon; and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and, of course, friends. Jeff is predeceased by brothers-in-law Clayton Brown, Max Brown (Audrey); sisters-in-law Vera Brown, Carolyn Brown, and Daisy Buffet all of Stephenville. In his final days, along with close family, Jeff was also cared for by three special friends in his life, Betty Christopher and Margaret and Norman Mathews. His passing was made more peaceful by their love and attention.

The family would like to thank everyone who has shared their prayers, good wishes, acts of kindness and meals during Jeff’s end of life journey.

“It is not the length of life, but the depth of life.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Jeff lived life deeply and leaves a lasting legacy of happy memories with those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations may be made in Jeff’s name to a charity of your choice.

There will be a celebration of Jeff's life on Friday, September 13, 2024 between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m at the Indian Head Rod & Gun Club, 70 Gull Pond Road, Stephenville, Newfoundland, A2N 2Y4. Family and friends are invited to call or visit