Ivan and I first met over 35 years ago at Farcher’s Grove in Union, NJ as members of the Union Lancers Soccer Club. That is where all the memories started. We played soccer together in our early teens on this team and then finally again @ SPC and HASL. In between we were friendly competitors in high school and at other club soccer teams. Who knew a dirt field and a soccer ball would create an everlasting friendship. As they say, “God created everything on purpose for a purpose”. Ivan was a creator of community. I saw first hand how he brought people from all around the globe together. Whether it was sports, music, current events, etc. he would keep the conversation going. I am thankful to his parents for inviting me in to their home. You were strict, but fair which made Ivan and his friends better people to this day. To the Koremba family I express my deepest condolences. Bart Simpson said it best, “Ay Caramba”. To the rest of us it was “I Koremba”. May you legacy live on. There was never a shrimp cocktail dish that he would shy away from. Your bold personality and competitive spirit were one to envy. Ivan and time never aligned because his clock ticked to a different beat. For a man that was often late, why did this happen so early? From Maradona to Batistuta to Messi you always bled Argentinian Blue. At the same time you were always true to the people around you. One of my classic memories with you was in 1996. Who knew going to the Bronx days before the end of the ALCS would get us first in line for Yankees World Series tickets and our faces all over tv and newspapers? From rides in your Honda Accord, your parent’s basement, many hours on the soccer field, late nights at SPC plus everything before, during and after. May you Rest In Peace. There will always be a seat for you at the annual “Last Supper Easter Celebration”. Many sentences within our group began with “I”. People were not selfishly speaking about themselves. That “I” was Ivan. The connections that you have made will forever continue. I will never forget #8. Keep working on that left foot. I can still hear you saying “Giuseppe!” From my family to yours. Thanks for the memories.

I am so sorry to hear about this. We all loved Ivan like a brother. It won't be the same without him...

A Tribute to My Friend, Ivan Koremba It’s hard to put into words what my friend Ivan meant to me. We met back in seventh grade when we were both about 12 years old, and for nearly 34 years, he was a constant presence in my life. Growing up in Union, New Jersey, Ivan lived just around the corner from me. We’d often cross paths at Ed Weber Park, where he’d be playing street and roller hockey with his brother David. Ivan was hard to miss—always decked out in his New York Rangers jersey, full of energy and passion for the game. As the oldest of three siblings without an older brother, I naturally looked up to Ivan. He was everything I wanted to be: cool, athletic, intelligent, and effortlessly charismatic. His magnetic personality drew people in, making everyone feel included. Ivan was the glue that held many friend groups together—whether it was high school buddies, soccer teammates, college pals, or friends from his travels in Australia. He had an incredible knack for bringing people together and ensuring everyone felt taken care of. If someone was visiting from out of town, he’d pick them up at the airport and open his home without a second thought. Our group of friends shared a common bond through Ivan, and that connection will always remain. When I transferred to Union Catholic High School, Ivan played a pivotal role in helping me integrate into the new environment. His support and friendship made the transition smoother and more welcoming, setting the tone for the countless adventures we would embark on together. Family was everything to Ivan. He often spoke with deep affection about his mom and dad, his brother David, his godfather, and his uncles. He looked up to them and cherished the time they spent together. The values they instilled in him—kindness, generosity, and a strong sense of community—were evident in the way he lived his life. During our college years at Saint Peter’s College, we met Jesse Kelly at a random concert in NYC and then again at at another show before he became our next-door neighbor in the dorms. Jesse became a close friend who taught us how to play guitar—or at least tried to. The three of us bonded over music, and Jesse was instrumental in getting us a gig DJing at the Black Bear in Hoboken. We’d compile playlists and spin tracks all night, getting paid and enjoying free dinners. We also hosted shows on the SPC radio station, even if our broadcast only reached the cafeteria. Those were good times. Ivan’s adventurous spirit was contagious. We’d take trips to Scranton and Rutgers with our friends Jay Eaton and Rick Russo, creating memories that still make me smile. Our high school ski trips to Montreal were unforgettable—breaking rules and creating memories that added another layer of adventure to our friendship. We also spent weekends exploring NYC’s Village and New Hope, Pennsylvania, hunting for T-shirts, music, posters, and incense. Ivan always knew the best spots, and those trips were as much about the journey as the souvenirs we picked up along the way. We shared an unforgettable and fun summer at a beach house in Bradley Beach with our friends. Road trips were a highlight, like driving to Toronto to visit Ivan’s friend Wade and see the band Cake in concert, or embarking on a trip to Virginia in my 1986 Pontiac, returning home three days late without any means of communication. Our poor parents must have been worried sick, but those were the adventures that defined our youth. One story that perfectly captures Ivan’s spontaneous nature happened during our friend Pelusio’s bachelor party. Late one night, I found him in a random hotel room with a plate of chicken fingers—classic Ivan. The next morning, the door was locked, and we couldn’t get a hold of him. After knocking and even asking the cleaning staff for help, we had to leave without him. For three days, we had no idea where he was. Turns out, in true Ivan fashion, he’d met some people, gone to a concert, and eventually took a bus home. That was Ivan—always turning an ordinary situation into an adventure. Earlier this year, we faced the heartbreaking loss of our college friend Alex Staikos. Ivan, Jesse, Gerard and I reconnected at the services, realizing how much we missed spending time together. We vowed to make hanging out a priority, and I’m so grateful we did. Those moments are now even more precious to me. Our shared love for music took us on countless adventures. From our first show at Madison Square Garden to sneaking into exclusive gigs, we chased the thrill of live music together. Concerts were a staple of our friendship, and while my hearing might have suffered, those memories are priceless. We didn’t just attend music events; we created them. At Saint Peter’s College, we worked together on the SPC radio station—a closed-circuit broadcast that only reached the cafeteria. We took it seriously, meticulously building playlists and enjoying every second, even if our audience was minimal. Later, we DJed at the Black Bear in Hoboken, navigating our collection and playing songs all night long. We got paid and enjoyed free dinners, but the real reward was sharing the music we loved. Ivan was passionate about so many things, but his love for Argentina’s soccer team was unparalleled. He followed their matches with fervor, idolizing legends like Maradona and Messi. When Argentina won the World Cup recently, his joy was immeasurable. He’d share every detail of the games with anyone who’d listen, his enthusiasm impossible to ignore. He was equally devoted to the New York Rangers. As a casual NHL fan who leaned toward the Devils, I was often on the receiving end of his playful teasing—especially about that infamous 1994 Stéphane Matteau goal. But it was all in good fun and just another layer to our long-standing friendship. Ivan also had a reputation as a ladies’ man. He was definitely cocky and not exactly humble about it, but his close friends understood it was just his way. Ivan always found a way to strike up conversations or meet new groups of ladies, effortlessly charming everyone he met. His confidence and playful demeanor made him a magnet for attention, and he enjoyed every moment of it. Despite his swagger, those who knew him best appreciated his genuine nature and the way he made everyone feel special. Ivan adored his dogs—Coby, Juanita, Rufus, and probably a few more I’m forgetting. They were always number one in his heart, and he treated them like family. He cherished the joy and unconditional love they brought into his life. After college, our lives took different paths. I got married and became a father to twins, so my family became my main focus. We drifted apart for a while, only connecting occasionally. But in recent years, we reconnected through golf, often playing with our friend Feeny. Those rounds weren’t just about the game; they were about rekindling a friendship that had always been there. I’m thankful we had that time together. While reflecting and writing this, it was great to think about the times we got to spend together. Many smiles, many good times, no drama, and great friendship. The memories we’ve made—the laughter, the adventures, the simple moments that meant so much—will stay with me forever. To the Koremba family, my deepest condolences. Thank you for welcoming me into your home and giving me the gift of such an amazing friend. Ivan’s impact on my life is immeasurable, and I am forever grateful for the times we shared. Thank you for everything, Ivan. I’ll miss you more than words can say. Rest in peace, brother.

My heart goes out to the Koremba family, My brief time working with Ivan was always fun, you were never far from his thoughts through everyday. I have to trust Ivan is resting in peace and using his vibrant energy to shine down on all of those he loved. I'm so sorry this world has lost someone so young who shined with so much care.

I met Ivan at soccer camp in 1992 when we were both teenagers. After that, there were too many years of good times to recount: summer road trips, college visits, parties, bars/clubs, jersey shore, etc. We grew up, got jobs in different states, but stayed connected throughout most of the years. It was always easy to reconnect with Ivan; we could always rely on the nostalgic good times from our youth to bond us. He was also just easy to hang out with; a conversationalist who always had his own passions and interests to share. Ivan was the kind of guy that would pick me up from the airport rather than have me take an Uber. He had old school values, loved to hang out with his friends, but could also strike up a conversation with a complete stranger on any given night. I'll miss him, but will always have so many wonderful memories to keep his spirit alive in my thoughts.

Joe & I would like to send out condolences to John, Lidia & David. Our hearts go out to Lidia & her family, I met Ivan a while back, such a nice guy, I know how Lidia loved her boys they were her life, she lit up when she would talk about them to me. May God Bless your family, Connie & Joe Ragonese

Lidia, John & David … Nuestro más sentido pésame por el fallecimiento de Iván. No hay palabras …. Dios llevo a Iván muy temprano de este mundo … nuestros recuerdos con él y vosotros durante tantos años disfrutando con nuestros hijos en su juventud no tienen precio. Un fuerte abrazo en estos momentos tan difíciles. Que en paz descanse 🙏💞 Antonio y Manola

The UC Community is saddened to learn of the passing of one of our own, Ivan '95. We offer our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and we are united in prayer for the repose of his soul.

My childhood friend, Ivan Koremba, passed away several days ago. Ivan and I went to St. John’s Ukrainian Catholic school together in Newark, NJ from Grades 1-8. Our 8th grade class only had 8 of us, so we were all pretty tight back then. Ivan introduced me to bands like Poison, Motley Crue, and Guns N Roses. Ivan was a hardcore Rangers hockey fan and I was a Devils supporter, and so we had a “friendly” rivalry. Ivan and I also both played soccer for Ukrainian Sitch Soccer Club for many years, where we were quite competitive with each other. As the center forward, he wanted to score goals, and I was the center midfielder who would often be feeding him passes… as well as yelling at him when he missed a shot or failed to pass the ball on. Ivan was a big guy with a big kick, and he would indeed often muscle his way into scoring the goal. He both liked to win and get the credit for it! After 8th grade, I would see Ivan irregularly over the years, at Sitch soccer camp, hanging out at his house on occasion during the high school years when he was at Union Catholic which was co-ed, and I was at Seton Hall Prep, which was all boys… he would rib me a lot about that. Around this time, I bought his baseball card collection from him, which I still have. I visited and partied with him several times when he was at St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. We lost touch for some years after that but once I ended up in the East Village and he was in Hoboken, he would randomly call me when he was in the neighborhood and we would go out for beers and catch up. I suppose I was his closest Ukrainian contact after he left St. John’s. He had confided to me that he felt he had never quite fit in with that social circle with his half Argentinian background, which he was very proud of! Ivan oozed coolness. He was cocky and competitive, confident and charming, suave and stylish… he always had a big smile and lots of laughs along with some crazy stories to tell! He liked women and women liked him. Ivan had a really strong life force and his personality demanded attention! He seemed to be doing quite well in his professional career, doing sales and other such responsibilities working for various large companies. It seemed like his career was a great fit for his personality! We still enjoyed discussing sports, especially soccer, talking about Ukraine competing in the World Cup, his childhood hero Maradona after he passed, and the challenges we both faced as we kept playing into our 30s. In 2014, we had our first 8th grade class re-union, which was really special, for us all to re-unite 23 years later, and get to know each other in adulthood. We did it again, ten years later, just this year in March of 2024. I had kept our 8th grade “autograph book” which had drawings from Ivan and even a special gift he had glued in there for me that I had never opened, some mystery hockey cards he had sealed up. We opened them that night, 33 years later, to discover what they were. That was a very cool and special moment! That night, Ivan looked healthy and happy to reconnect and reminisce with his childhood group… and now several months later, he is gone. It is hard to believe, and I know his family must be devasted. We weren’t best friends, but we were friends for most of our lives. I hadn’t communicated with Ivan for some time, but when Argentina was playing in and then won the World Cup, I congratulated him immediately! Messi was another of his heroes and I knew Argentina winning the World Cup with Messi was one of Ivan's dreams come true! Looking back at our text messages over the years, I would say in more recent times Ivan had lost some of his cockiness (not all, but some) and replaced it with kindness and a genuine desire to maintain friendships. Two days after my son was born, Ivan texted me out of the blue “Any good news?” followed up by a Congrats, and that he’s so happy for me and looking forward to meeting my lady and my little “bambino”. And that hopefully my son will be a better soccer player than I ever was! Typical Ivan Koremba! We had each reached out at various points to make a connection, to stay in touch, hang out and catch up, and maintain our lifelong friendship, no frills or weirdness! It’s rare you know someone since childhood and still maintain an authentic connection to in your adult life. It's always tragic when someone passes before their time… but this one really hits close to home for me and was so unexpected. Ivan had a constant air of coolness and invincibility about him. It’s hard to believe he’s really gone. I don’t know what else to say, but this cliché: “Cherish your time and make the effort to see those that care to know you.” I am glad we did that, Ivan Koremba! I’ll miss you bro! Arriva, Arriva!

I met Ivan at St. Peter’s College in 1995, where we lived in the same dorm. We became friends, enjoyed the same music, and shared many friends for several years. He worked at the Short Hills Abercrombie, and I worked at the Gap across the hall. Not too long ago, we met up with mutual friends to celebrate St. Peter’s making it to the Elite Eight. It was a great night! His smile and charm were infectious and he genuinely loved his friends, going out of his way for them. I hope you and Alex are hanging out and having a lot of laughs. You'll both be missed by your friends from Whelan Hall tremendously.

I met Ivan when we were 15-16 years old in Pam White's basement. We bonded on soccer, music, and oddly enough graphic tees. The next 6 years we were inseparable and made a ton of memories. Although I moved around all over the place afterwards, when I came to visit NJ, not only was Ivan one of the only person I visited, he always offered me a place to stay and planned out a few fun days. This tradition carried for the next 24 years. Recently, I had such an amazing conversation with him. We laughed, reminisced, and made plans for our next visit together. I'll miss you tremendously, I love you like a brother, and I hope you are doing all you favorite things upstairs. To the Koremba Family, words cannot nearly begin to express my sorrow. Thank you for always welcoming me into your home. I felt so much love anytime I visited. You raised an incredible son who made a lasting impression on so many people. My thoughts are with you during this period of bereavement.

We are so sorry for your loss. Ivan we miss you! 🇦🇷 ⚽️ Love, Feeney family

Ivan, your smile was always contagious and lit up every room you walked into. Thank you for being my family. We all will be keeping care of your mom, dad and of course your baby brother and best friend Dave. We were blessed with our time here with you on earth and we will always feel your presence as our angel. We love you, rest in peace Ivan.

Please accept my deepest condolences to you over the loss of Ivan. I offer you my heartfelt support and friendship in this difficult time.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.