He was a funny, witty, smart friend who could read my mind as I could read his. Many nights were spent in Hoboken just hanging out watching arty movies and Juan playing me the latest amazing music from around the world that he was listening to. 
He was a dear, lovely friend who will be terribly missed.

I've known Juan for about 15 years. He was a good man, a lot of laughs and wise beyond his years. Many nights spent in Hoboken watching whatever on TV. I just found out about his passing minutes ago and I am devastated. He was loved and will be missed. 

Juan, my youngest sibling, he always wanted dad to have a bigger world than his room and two birds we purchased together.   He wanted mom to have friends and hobbies.  He wanted his family to sit at the lake, drink, cook together, and take pictures.  He wanted to live a long life full of good health and loved ones.  He always showed me love and respect.  He and I are always going to be the two siblings who were closest.  For that time and joy he brought me, I am always grateful yet heartbroken.

Juan, today we said goodbye to you in this life. The mass was beautiful, your mothers words and singing were very moving. I’m so sorry Juan, just doesn’t seem right. Will miss your smile and laughter and quick wit. I learned from you, in your memory promise to educate others and carry on the fight. In love and laughter, always. 

I met Juan 23 years ago.  His sister, Ana, was my best friend at the time.  I would go pick up Ana for a party and she would say that she couldn’t go because she had to watch her brother.  So, we would change our plans and the three of us would do something together instead.  We would play games, rent and watch movies, go to the movies, eat at Couch House.  There were times I would go over to the house and ask where Juan was and was very disappointed when Ana would tell me that he was out with his friends.  I loved having him around as I have always wanted a little brother.  He was amazing to talk to, even at a young age he was very educated beyond his years. 

As time went on he started going out into the world and he would spend more and more time with his friends and making his mark in the world, but I would still see him from time to time.  Eventually, I married his sister, Ana and during the wedding he came up to me and said, “Now, we are brothers officially.”

I loved talking with him about everything.  Many times they got heated and he would blurt out something crazy which would make me angry but then crack up at it later.   I always loved having him around.  

I got to know Juan in the fifth grade. His intelligence, his wit, his mean-ness, all of it was right up my alley. We were a terrible pair, someone even once pointed out to us "you guys are meaner when you're together" and we took that as the biggest compliment. But we also pushed each other to be better. In 7th or 8th grade we were both part of a special club in our school where we took the practice SATs just to see how we would do. He scored higher than 40% of highschool juniors.

We would go play with our Pokemon cards at Toys R Us. We would message each other on AIM. We would talk about music and how I never understood why he liked Bjork. We would talk about whatever anime we were watching. We would make "yo mama" jokes until they should have been played out, but somehow they never were.

I remember his exasperated yelling when people or things annoyed him. I remember his face when he would get in trouble. I remember going to the mall. I remember him showing up with a friend at my doorstep just to have her show me something wildly inappropriate. I remember his laugh. 

Juan was a big part of my life and I will miss him.

Juan allowed me to be me, and when I met him at the age of 16, that was a really big deal. He was the first person to really know me and get me and he made me feel like I mattered to the world because I know I mattered to him. I am so thankful to have met him and loved and laughed with him. I know, without a doubt, I would not be who I am today if not for Juan. Even as a teenager, Juan wasn’t afraid to be himself. He was so, so smart, incredibly charming, handsome, had the quickest wit and best style, and is the funniest person I have ever known. There will never be another like him.

Juan has fought a valiant battle as he lived life to it's fullest. Incredibly intelligent, charming, concerned, involved and at times wild. Your battle is over, sweet boy. Your victory is won in heaven. No pain, no missed opportunities, no more battle. You rest now, before you soar with the most stylish angels. I will never forget you, how could anyone? Love you

Juan was one of the most full of life people I have ever met. He was passionate about so many things, he felt so strongly about fighting injustice and inequality, he was inspiring in his determination to make this world a fairer place. He was hilarious, and a hard worker. He was honest and fun. He was a good friend. I moved away a few years ago, but many of my best memories of NJ have Juan in them.  I will think of him always, and remain inspired and motivated by him. All my condolences to his family and loved ones, my prayers are with you at this time. 

Our sympathy to you Yolanda and to your immediate family from your loss of your son. 
From Maria Perez-Jersey City-DVRS. 

Juan was one of the most enthusiastic students I ever had at NJCU. His smile and warmth were always with him too. My condolences to his family and may he rest in peace. 

Moshe Braunstein, adjunct professor/ instructor of Sociology 2008 to and including present day at New Jersey City University. 

On behalf of the Sociology and Anthropology Department at New Jersey City University, I extend our condolences to Juan's family. 

Juan was the top student in my seminar class a 3 years ago. He possessed a rare mix of intellectual curiosity, wit and concern for social justice. We would regularly linger after class to talk about issues of the day and he was never shy of articulating an opinion. He was bright and caring, establishing a friendship with a fellow student in the class who sadly passed after a protracted battle with cancer. I had known vaguely of Juan's health issues but he never asked for special treatment and went above and beyond in pursuit of his studies. I have taught hundred, if not thousands of students in my 25 year career in academia, but Juan was clearly exceptionally. I was shocked and saddened to learn of his passing, given his vitality and passion.  He was greatly respected and liked by all of his peers and his professors at NJCU. May his memory serve as a blessing to all who knew him.....

OBITUARY

Juan Miguel Rosales Jr.

November 3, 1987 – September 29, 2021

Leber Funeral Home

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