PHILIPP ROMAN OSTROVSKY, 34, passed away Saturday February 27, 2021. Roman died at our home in Phoenix wanting to be with the family in his last hours.
Roman is preceded in death by both sets of grandparents, Pete and Yetta Ostrovsky, and George and Marie Lashnits. They deeply loved him and are now united with him for eternity. Roman is survived by his parents, Eric Ostrovsky and Nancy M Lashnits; his sister Galina Ostrovsky; his beloved niece Starla Ostrovsky; and many cousins, aunts and uncles, and friends.
Roman was born and lived the first five years of his life in Moscow, Russia. Through a miraculous Russian bureaucratic process, he was born again to his real parents Eric and Nancy when they traveled to Moscow to bring him home. He was so happy to come home to America.
Roman started out his life in America in Washington, D.C., then we moved to Portland, Oregon. He was spotted by the movie director Gus Van Sant, and appeared in the film Elephant. Roman graduated from Lincoln High School, Portland, in 2005; and attended Community Colleges in Portland and Scottsdale, where he attained his Associate’s Degree. He also graduated from the Corden Bleu Chef’s School in Scottsdale. More recently he has done food blogs and webinars of his cooking. His other love was gardening.
A small service will be for our darling son will be held 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, March 9, 2021, at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix. The service will also be live streamed for those not able to attend beginning at 10:00 a.m. at: https://www.facebook.com/WhitneyMurphyFH/live/
A Celebration of Life will be held later in the spring, date and time to be announced.
Tom Lashnits
Roman we feel blessed to have known you and remember some wonderful times — back in Washington DC, visiting New York, showing us around Phoenix, joining us at your cousin Erin’s wedding. We hope you find the peace you’re looking for, and hope your family can carry on with courage and and meaning for the future.
Love Tom & Betsy
Alison Carroll
Roman,
I miss and love you each and every day. I hope you are at peace, you were the brother I always wanted and I will continue to consider you as a part of my family. We always had the best times and a blast hanging out together and I will always cherish those moments I got to be with you, you were always there when no one else was or able to be there, I love you Roman.
Love Alison
Stephanie DePalmer
My condolences to Roman’s family. He truly will be very missed. Roman was funny, talented , and very excentric at times. He would give me some of the best advice and was always there when we needed someone. It’s still so surreal that he is gone. My daughter, Genevieve, knew him as Uncle Roman and will remember him fondly. He was a brother, a mediator, and a voice for those who aren’t necessarily heard. He fought injustices and loved his family dearly. We love and miss you so much Roman.
Denise Piccirillo
Roman…what a sweetheart! He always brought a smile to my face. I remember seeing Roman outside of my Mom’s house last Mother’s Day. I invited him inside, but he would not come in due to Covid. So there he was, with his mask on, outside the window and waving. It was such a thoughtful gesture, and it meant a lot to my Mom. Roman had a loving personality and a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by our entire family. He spoke of his family often, and it was obvious he loved them very much. We are praying for all of you.
With deepest condolences,
Love,
Marlene, Denise, and Family
Matthew J. Parker
“For one can live in friendship
With verses and with cards, with Plato and with wine,
And hide beneath the gentle cover of our playful pranks
A noble heart and mind.”
― Alexander Pushkin
Nikki
My deepest condolences to Romans family & anyone missing him, for he touched so many lives. He brought joy & laughter with him every where he went and his smile could light up the darkest room. I am forever grateful to have known Roman. He helped me through some of the hardest, lowest points in my life with compassion and understanding. He was one of the most supportive friends. He’d give you the shirt off his back. May you all be comforted by fond memories. May you be held in compassion. May your heart come to know peace.
Nikki Valenzuela
Michele Piccirillo
Very sorry to hear about your loss and keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. We enjoyed spending many holidays with Roman over the years and are happy to have known him. May he Rest In Peace.
With Love, Michele
Nancy Lashnits
Roman, We’ll always love you. And we’ll always miss you. Love, Mom and Dad
K. Chamberlin
Dear Nancy and Eric,
There is nothing more difficult for a parent than to lose a child. May the loving memories you have of Roman sustain you, and may all the happy experiences you shared together be in your thoughts.
We are thinking of you,
Kathy and Tom Chamberlin
Tim Mouzakis
My friend Roman. A great actor and superior Chef. Will miss you but know God is watching over you.
Cece
I met Roman thru his good friend Debra and he was so sweet of a person and very nice man he made us laugh and always had jokes. I will miss you Roman and rest in peace my friend love you Cece❤ My prayers are with all your family and may God bring you peace and comfort to all.
Larry and Sandra
We remember Roman as the sweet young boy that Nancy and Eric brought home from Russia. He always retained that sweetness as he grew into a young man and adult. We enjoyed the fruits of his cooking skills and the warm welcome he always gave us when we visited Phoenix. Perhaps most important, and what we’ll always remember, were his kind disposition and gentle nature. We’ll always miss him and his smile.
Tracy
Dear Nancy and Eric,
With our deepest sympathy for the passing of your son Roman.
The few times we were with Roman it was apparent of the love you all shared together.
You are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
Sending you love, light and peace now and always.
Love,
Tracy & Taoufik
Barbara & Neal Klein
Dear Nancy and Eric,
We are so sorry for the loss of your dear son Roman. He was charming and delightful the few times we were with him; he will be greatly missed. Thinking of you both with love and prayers at this sad time.
Xoxo Barbara & Neal
Larry DiGeronimo
Dear Nancy and Eric,
So sorry to hear about the loss of Roman, deepest sympathy. Good memories of the family being all together at the Belvoir house and the fun we had especially with Roman entertaining us.
Peace to all.
Sami Tremblay
Always knew how to bring a smile to any situation. So kind and caring, always putting others before himself. I will miss you roman! The world doesn’t feel the same without you in it.
❤️
Catherine M Sindelar
Eric & Nancy,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Pete kurian
Dear Eric and Nancy
I am so sorry to have to write to express my sorrow at this time.
What a beautiful spirit filled person Roman was and will always be. I remember meeting him in Tim and Laurel’s house many many years ago. We talked a lot. I had liked Roman like a son because of his spirit.
I pray God gives you strength at this difficult time.
Hugs
Pk
Laurel Mouzakis
Dear Nancy and Eric,
Always remember the good times we spent together especially gatherings at your house and ours in Portland.
Also , the trip we took to Steens Mountain, Diamond and star gazing at the ranch house. Roman loved being with his family and dearly loved you. He shined his light with everyone and he will be missed. Sending our deepest condolences and sympathy.
Love from your cousin,
Laurel
ginger perry
My memories of him keep circling back to his amazing love, patience, caring, playfulness, gentleness and kindness to Starla, He was the best uncle any little girl could ever have. He was always so scared of life and what could happen to him and I know he did try to fight off his demons. I’m only sorry he couldn’t find a way out of his dark world and enjoy the light and brightness he brought to so many people. I cherish the moments I spent with him and I only wish there could be more.
Nancy Lashnits
Roman, I’ll always love you even though you’re no longer with us. Love, Mom
Deborah Ostrovsky
We will surely miss you Roman. Sweet and funny full of energy and mischief, you were a joy to have around. Thanks for taking me to Second Chance in 100 degree weather and no air conditioning in the car. We were hot but kept all the windows open laughing all the way. Also for the 1am to Taco Bell looking for a place that was open 24/7, in the convertible, top town and music blasting. For trimming my tree in the yard by removing all the branches. The tree, alive and well, stands as a memorial to your wonderful gardening skills. You gave me some wonderful memories which I will always treasure in my heart.
Love you.
Harriet McCarthy
Dear Nancy and Eric…we were so saddened to read about Roman in the Cradle of Hope newsletter. We are so very sorry but understand how debilitating the pasts of the children we adopted can sometimes be. I wanted to reach out and let you know that we will always remember that without your having gone to get Roman, we would not have Leonty in our lives. His joining our family was the greatest blessing anyone has ever bestowed on us. Roman, Pasha and Loni were great buddies at Orphanage #5 and the time we spent with you so early in their family assimilations is a beautiful memory. May Roman’s sweet soul finally Rest In Peace. It can be a very cruel world, and that’s so hard for sensitive people to negotiate. Please reach out if you can. I would love to hear how you both are doing.
Sharlisa
Roman,
I can still hear your voice loud and clear. So many memories and smiles. I looked up to you! I will miss you friend ❤️