I remember Nick, Luke and Mia well-thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time .

Luke was truly caring, funny, and full of heart. Whenever he walked into a room, people knew they were gonna have fun. I'll miss our little random chats during and in-between classes. Rest in Power, Luke.

We were saddened to hear of Luke's passing.  We didn't know Luke, but he's in our thoughts and prayers.  Our condolences go out to the whole Kanowitz family.  Vaya con Dios, mi amigo!  PAX TECUM, Luke!    Great Uncle Leonard(Larry) and Aunt Carolyn Adams

Amy, Larry, Mia and Nick, words can’t express how saddened we are to hear of Luke's passing. Please know that we are thinking of you and praying for strength and comfort for you at this time. May you be comforted by the outpouring of love surrounding you.

The Wallace Family 


My condolences to Larry, Amy, Mia and Nick.  There are no words to help heal the grief you are experiencing.  I hope you turn to each other for love and support.  Friends and family will also help you on your journey to accept your new life.  I pray that you will find a way to live life with joy knowing that Luke completed his earthly mission and is at peace.  
Janet, Julia and Jen Lubas

To Amy, Larry, Nick & Mia,

We are heartbroken to hear of Luke's passing. Please know we are sending all of our love and support as you deal with this awful tragedy.  We have so many memories of his kindness and unique  personality.  We still have his bicycle (!) - it is Evan's now......and I will always remember when Amy & I took all the kids to go tubing down the Delaware river - it was more excitement than we were prepared for but Luke was a trooper for the trip.    His smile and kind heart will always be remembered.

Love, Mark, Jen, Chloe & Evan Kalamaridis 

I met Luke in kindergarten at Smith school; he was the happiest, most cheerful little boy. He always tried his best, a trait that I can see continued.  I was heartbroken to hear of your loss. Please know that Luke, and your family and all who loved him are in my prayers. May Eternal Rest be granted unto him, and may he rest in the Perpetual Light of Our Loving God.  I am so very sorry for your loss. 

Luke. You were more than just a man. You are an art piece yourself. The drawings you made always inspired me and I’ll always keep up the one you made for me. You taught me how to be a better person. Hearing you teach me yourself with your very thoughtful words of wisdom and even now hearing stories about you its all just so inspiring. You taught me to always take things slow and if its worth it, it will wait. Never rush anything and keep your head up high all the way through it. You are an amazing person and it pains me your gone but never in our hearts. I wish you were here to teach me more. My mother always said there are people here made for a reason and your reason is bigger than anything else. You had so much knowledge to give to the world and I hope one day I can be even half the man you are. I love you Luke, fly high.

Luke Pt.2

Over my post-HS years, he would text me randomly, or in group chats we were in. He would text and ask about the place I work at and how his brother visited, or randomly text me and ask what the mile world record was, when he should stop drinking water before exercise or when he wished me a happy birthday a day late (got to celebrate my birthday for two days because of him.) His interest in other cultures and a variety of different things was impressive. I remember visiting a track and field meet by my college and seeing Luke chop 20 seconds off his 800 time in the 4x800 at the Twinboro relays, a proud moment for the kid who had to stop at halfway in his first 800 a year prior. The kid just liked to connect with people and cared for others. I remember giving him advice and listening to things he had to say about life, or seeing him post photos and videos of his beautiful dog. I don't think Luke could ever waste a day, he always lived to the fullest. Reading some condolences on here and hearing how he wasn't as happy as he used to be made me sad, but I know that even when times were tough for him Luke still had that bright love of life burning inside him no matter what and he spread it to others even when his own life came down. Other times like the deletion of his youtube channel when he was sad about that he still spread happiness and good times with others and I’m sure he was able to deal with whatever went his way and continued to make other people’s days. He truly was a special kid and I think anyone was lucky to have met him. May God rest his soul.  

Luke Pt.1

If there's one thing I can start with, it's that I was lucky to have known Luke for a short time in my life. I had been on the track team at PV for 4 years and my senior year Luke joined the team. One of my first memories was during the warm-up at the start of practice we had to run around the perimeter of the school since the track had been snowed on. Luke was new and didn't know where he was going and accidentally took a turn into the woods and ran about 2 miles vs everyone else's .5 mile warm-up. We quickly got to know him and his funny youtube videos and since we were connected more by event groups than age, I got to interact with him a bit. I also got to sit with him at a grad party after the year had ended and I continued to interact with him on social media in the years to come. I remember trying to get him to do cross country and Spring track and seeing him end up doing Spring as he took his fitness more seriously made me proud. I also saw him go off to football and make a ton of new friends that way too, I had been a late arrival to the football team my freshman year so seeing someone else do that too impressed me, it’s hard to try a new thing but he made a lot of good friends and memories from that I’m sure. One thing that struck me was how genuine he was. He just wanted to make people laugh, make them happy, and show the world his art. One time he even shared a short story he wrote. 


Thank you for the time you spent with me pt. 5. 

Luke Rebel Kantowitz truly lived up to his middle name, rebelling against all the negativity and sadness in the world. He was truly an overwhelmingly positive force to anyone he has ever crossed paths with and I am happy for all of you who got to know him. Luke was truly a one-of-a-kind person, and I doubt any of us will come across another person like him ever again. Luke was fearless when it came to meeting new people which is a quality I strongly admire and strive to have. He taught us all many very valuable lessons about positivity and kindness no one else could. Luke truly did not have a single mean bone in his body, never once being cruel to another; He never even ragged on his friends jokingly, not once.  I am overwhelmingly grateful and happy for all the time I got to spend with Luke, and I already miss him. I will cherish each and every memory I have with him for the rest of my life, and he will remain and always be the most positive, loving, kind, caring, funny, and creative, person I have ever met. 


Thank you for the time you spent with me pt. 4. 


During this past year, however, I noticed a very disheartening shift in Luke’s personality. He wasn’t as happy or cheerful as he used to be. What he and his family was going through was really taking a toll on his mental health, and it was heartbreaking and worrying to see. Luke was so quick to do what he could to make others happy all the time, so I knew I needed to help him like he helped the rest of us. I sat down with him and told him that I was here for him, that he has real friends that he could talk to, to vent, to ask for help, to do anything he needs. I told him that he’s always been the friend that was the most important to me, which I did mean and still mean now, and it was so disheartening to see him like this. I told him I loved him, and if he needs me for anything I would be there for him. This was one of the last conversations we had. Even though he didn’t appear as happy he still spent his days with the people and friends who cared for him most. His friends he made in high school like Gabe and Blake cared for him so much just like me and his old friends. 


Thank you for the time you spent with me pt. 3.

I think we hung out almost every day that March working on videos. The best video we made by far however was the seven-minute short film, “Captin VHS”. Now I know Luke began to resent his channel after the school faculty found out he filmed in the school bathrooms, even though he was in there alone, and wrote home about it. This led to the channel's deletion. I think it’s important to talk about this since this is what I felt to be Luke at his happiest, and it was some of the most fun we ever had together. Anyway, Captin VHS was made with ten minutes of planning and shot in a single afternoon, but still, it’s my favorite home movie I’ve ever made. Luke, played the titular hero, Captin VHS, on his quest to seek revenge against the evil Dr. DVD (played by me), who killed his best friend in the great format war. Luke does a wonderful and charming job playing the goofy but good-hearted hero. I consider my performance as Dr. DVD to be pretty good as well but a far cry from Luke's.  After this Luke and I continued into normal non-covid high school. We still spent a lot of time together, but we of course both had our own friends too. We did ski club each year, where Luke once again went and did some crazy jumps, landing them… most of the time. Not too long after came a much more unfortunate darker time in Luke's life. Despite the odds Luke managed to push through and stay as positive as he could. He would start a doodle folder, then that turned into a notepad where he would draw something unique and spectacular every day. He would take pride in showing everyone in the school his drawings and it came a big part of many student's daily routine to see Luke’s latest drawings. My absolute favorite drawing of his would definitely have to be “Carlos”. A simple drawing of a man with a car for a head. This drawing perfectly encapsulates his sense of humor and the creativity he wanted to share with the world. 

Thank you for the time you spent with me pt. 2

Even when Luke was new to skiing he always loved going off jumps and trying to perform tricks. Camp Gaw had a very small terrain park for the first season we started and Luke would spend a lot of time in there, working on his jumps, even when I was too afraid too. During all this time Luke remained the most positive and happy kid. He always came up with jokes to tell while riding the ski lift up to the top of the mountain. Luke loved telling jokes, he just wanted to make everyone happy. Around this time in middle school, Luke became obsessed with learning Korean. He used a lot of his free time to study, and from what I was able to tell he got pretty good at reading it. I remember being really impressed with this. In eighth grade, Luke, Derek, and I, and our families went on a ski trip to Vermont. There were so many fantastic memories made during this trip. Luke was making a bunch of amateur rap songs on band camp, and I even featured on the track titled “neon toilet”. It was about a futuristic toilet that could do anything. Only someone as creative as Luke could up with something like that. Another highlight of this trip was when Luke got separated from the rest of the group on the mountain. We searched for him for a while but all of us ended up having to go back to the lodge, while Mr. Kantowitz went back to look for him. About three hours later Mr. Kantowitz and Luke got back to the lodge. Luke had spent the whole time, talking to and meeting new people on every lift. He got to know people from all over the USA. I think this little fiasco perfectly resembles the kind of person Luke was: A wonderful, go-with-the-flow, just loving life, outgoing, friendly kid. A week later covid happened and that part of my life is just a blur at this point. Skipping to the following march, Luke had a lively Youtube channel. We spent a ton of time making lots of goofy videos.

Thank you for the time you spent with me pt. 1

Luke is the sweetest and kindest person I have ever met plain and simple; I mean that truthfully with all my being. I have never met another kid, with more love and positivity in their heart, than Luke; Making his loss all the more hurtful and terrible to anyone who’s ever known him. I consider myself extremely fortunate and lucky to have befriended him as early as kindergarten. In kindergarten Luke and I became very close friends right away. I specifically remember that he, Evan Biener, and I would always play together during recess every single day, having a great time with each other. My favorite memory with him from Kindergarten was the first time I invited him over to my house. Just like that one episode of Spongebob, he got the idea to go into my mother's underwear drawer. When she caught us it was safe to say she didn’t understand the reference. She was mad at us for going into her room but she soon saw that Luke meant no harm and was only trying to make me laugh. I remember the playdate ended when Luke chased me around trying to jokingly kiss me. Later on in Kindergarten I and Luke joined Cub Scouts together. Through cub scouts, our parents got friendly with each other. Every pinewood derby Luke’s car was always the fastest, I’m pretty sure he had a flawless victory record. I remember we loved making Lego stop-motion videos together and also playing on the original Xbox. We spent a lot of time together throughout elementary school, never drifting apart and always sticking together. Luke was also the tallest kid throughout all of elementary school he towered over all the other students all the way through fourth grade. In middle school not much changed between us, we were still great friends and always had a good time together no matter what. During this time we took skiing lessons together. After we got good, we would go up to Camp Gaw almost every weekend together. 

Luke and Justin at school early and the only ones in first period history class. 

Luke and Justin during a snowy day sledding. 

Luke, Justin and Harry having a good day at smith school. 

I first met Luke in preschool, but I didn't really get to know him well until my high school years. Luke was truly one of the most friendly and joyful people I've ever known. I have great memories of skiing with him and talking with him for hours. I also had a great time making silly videos with him. He was immensely funny, interesting, intriguing, and creative. I pray for the Kantowitz family during this rough time. Rest in peace, Luke; we love you.

Every time we went skiing Luke would go off of every single jump we came across. No matter how high it was and no matter how many times he fell, he’d get right back up and do the next one. There is a lot to be said about the character of a man who can get right back up and try and try again no matter how many times they fail. I’ve never known anyone else with that kind of perseverance  and fearlessness. I’d be lucky if I could become half the man you were Luke, you will always be in my heart.

Larry and family,

I wish I had the words to lighten your pain but sometimes words are just not enough.  Please accept my deepest condolences on your loss.  You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.


With deepest sympathy,
Damarys

I did not know Luke personally but I am a parent of someone who attended the same high school.  I cannot even begin to fathom the sadness you must feel as you process your devastating loss.  May God wrap and hold each one of you in his arms to provide some peace and comfort during this extremely challenging time.  Sending all my love, thoughts and prayers ❤️ 🙏 

I got to know Luke from PV track and field, where  I interacted with him almost every day. Over the years we got to know each other and became friendly with each other. It pains me for someone as genuine as Luke to have passed. He always treated me extremely kindness. Quirky and smart, I always thought of Luke as a great guy who was always a bright light in any room. He’ll be missed by the PV community. I’m sorry for your loss and you have my thoughts and prayers. 

Dear Larry and Family:
Please accept our love and deepest sympathy on the passing of Luke. We were devastated to hear of his passing. We are sending you all our love and well wishes at this deeply saddening time. Larry, if you need to talk, please call me day or night. I may not have the right words but will certainly be here to listen. Love, Shari and Barry Sadler

So very sorry for your tremendous loss. Thinking of you and praying you find moments of peace and comfort in the midst of your grief. Luke was a great friend and I will miss him.  Love you, Luke.

oh my lukey. how i will miss you so much. you were the most special person i’ve ever had the privilege of meeting in my life. my heart hurts so much lukey. you were such a bright, beautiful, curious, smart, but most of all kindest, soul i’ve ever met in my life. i always think about how you were truly an angel, luke. you were too good for this world. you truly were an angel. i will dedicate the rest of my life in your honor, lukey. i will miss you so much. i know i will see you again one day. i love you luke. you were too special for this earth. until we meet again, my amazing friend. i can’t wait to tell you how amazing korean and norwegian culture is. i know you’ll love it up there. until we see each other again, lukey. i love you. 

Luke
Luke was a great kid, and has a great soul. He was such a kind, creative, and smart kid. For as long as I’ve known Luke he has always been an outgoing and funny person. He made the most clever jokes and we always got a kick out of each other.  I loved when he shared his sketchbook with me and asked for ideas and perspective on his drawings. He concerned himself with the well being others and would reach out to catch up during school breaks. I will miss him very much. Prayers for the Kantowitz family. Rest In Peace, Luke. 
John Allmers

I am beyond heartbroken to hear about Luke, always a bright star in one of the most beautiful families I got to know while living in Hillsdale. My love and prayers are with you all always and forever. 

Luke was one of the happiest, sincerest, kindest little boys I ever met. Even at a young age, he wanted those around him to just be happy. May you all find comfort in each other as you move through this devastating loss. Luke’s love will be with all of you for eternity. My deepest condolences to you all. May God’s embrace hold you close. 
With deepest sympathies,
Lisa Tracy 

Luke was one of my absolute favorite students. I adored his sweet disposition, beautiful eyes and sweet smile. I will continue to keep your entire family in my heart..love to all..
Kathleen Eberson 
(MB prek)

We got to know Luke through our son Gabriel who loved him dearly. He was so smart and kind and nice. We are very glad to have known him and appreciate the wonderful friend he was to Gabe.  We are so sorry for this loss. 

The Morriello Family 

To my best friend Larry, Amy, Nick and Mia-

I remember when Luke told me he was learning Korean. I was astonished- such a young boy with such a great desire to learn more. He was a beautiful young man.

With heavy hearts, Lil and I share your loss.

Dear Larry and family,
I  am so sorry for your loss. Your love for this special young man will live forever. I will pray and think of you as you go through this difficult time.
May you find peace,
Kevin Stokes


Larry and the Kantowitz family
There are no words to express my sympathy for your loss. I hope and pray that the memories you shared with Luke will get you through this difficult time. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 

With deepest condolences.
Val Pagan

I am so sorry for the loss of your sweet boy. I know your hearts are broken. I am praying for your family. May God give you the strength to carry on and may you find comfort in memories.

Love and Hugs
Arch

Dear Amy and Larry,
I am so sorry for the loss of Luke. Words can never express the ache. Luke will forever be in your hearts. May the Wonderful Memories and Love Guide you and your family.
Corinne Low

I am so sorry to hear about Luke.  I remember Luke being an outgoing and friendly student.  He was a great kid that was interesting to talk with.  I wish all of you my best  as you move on from this tragedy.  Remember what a great person Luke was and we can all live our lives like he did.

Mike Rosenberg'
George White teacher

I am so very sorry for your family's loss.  Keeping all of you in my thoughts and prayers. 🙏 

To the Kantowitz and Stevens family

My prayers for all of you at this most difficult time.
When Luke would walk into my office at White school, there was always a shining light with him- ALWAYS a smile even when he wasn’t feeling well- he never wanted to be a bother but was ever so thankful for a kind gesture- he was the sweetest boy and grateful for any consideration- he was always concerned, caring, and kind to others as well.
I remember him so fondly- 

My condolences to you all.
May his memory be eternal.


Luke Kantowitz was my very first friend we had met in pre k and we instantly became friends that then developed into a 13 year long best friend relationship Luke was the guy who I could always talk to and count on he was like a lamp shining his light down on those he talked to my most favorite person and my most favorite memory was when he would come by my house just to have a quick chat and catch up on things Luke was like the second brother I never had Luke you will always and forever will be one of my closest friends loved the 13 years we had  love you like a brother Luke always and forever 

Luke was a shining light during a very dark period in my life. I will be forever grateful for the time we spent together from skateboarding, to playing games, to just talking for hours. He was my first and best friend in high school and I will miss him more than words can express. I would give anything to see him one last time and tell him how much he meant to me.

Dear Amy,
Luke was such a sweet, kind beautiful boy. So incredibly sorry for your tremendous loss. 
Audra(Meadowbrook)

Dearest Kantowitz and Stevens families,

I know your hearts are broken.  I am praying for the 4 of you and your extended family.  Luke was a little ray of sunshine during his days at Smith and I loved taking care of him as well as Mia and Nick.  Amy, you and your husband are the best parents.  Such a beautiful family.  May the love of your family and friends comfort and sustain you.  I love all of you.

With deepest sympathy,
Rose Catton (Bauerle)

Sweet Luke, 
You were an amazing boy. I will miss sitting and chatting with you while visiting with mom. You will be missed by so many. 
Lisa 

OBITUARY

Luke Rebel Kantowitz

12 September, 2005 – 29 June, 2023

Becker Funeral Home

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