Kenji Rasheem Monroe

Kenji Rasheem Monroe of Ithaca, New York, died on Saturday, May 31; he was 47 years old.

Born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., he aspired to a career as a cartoon illustrator. Kenji played Pop Warner Football and, as the star player, led the team to an undefeated season. He attended Poughkeepsie High School, and in 1993 he moved to Ithaca where he continued school and played varsity football and basketball. After high school, he was employed at Cornell for 3 years as a dining attendant. He became a member of the Painters Union and later moved to Florida where he worked in construction.

Kenji enjoyed life and loved being with his family and friends. He also enjoyed numerous hobbies such as drawing, bowling, making music with his friends, playing basketball at the local parks, and had a passion for collecting sports cards and memorabilia.

Kenji was pre-deceased by his father, Perry Monroe, Jr., and is survived by his mother, Darlene D. Monroe of PA; his son, Levi Hall; sisters Sarah R. Monroe, baby sister Rebecca R. Monroe, and younger brother Lucas R. Monroe, all of Ithaca; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Services will be private to family and close, personally invited friends.