Johnathan Robert Banks Morin

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved warrior, Johnathan Robert Banks Morin, known to many as John or “Johnny Rocket.” From the very beginning, it was clear that Johnathan was someone special. Born on October 4, 2006, and named in honor of his late maternal grandfather, John Banks, Johnathan was a quiet, happy, old soul with a heart of gold.

A proud student of Lewiston Public Schools, Johnathan was a high honor roll student who excelled in everything he pursued. Whether on the soccer field, the ice rink, the tennis court, or shooting hoops in the driveway, he approached life with energy, skill, and a competitive spark - especially in strategy or video games. He was surrounded by a close circle of friends who brought him joy and stood by him through every challenge.

In November of 2021, Johnathan’s life was turned completely upside down at age 15 with a delayed diagnosis of metastatic Ewing Sarcoma. From the start, he faced cancer with unimaginable courage and determination, simply saying, “Just tell me what I need to do. Don’t tell me a timeframe or a cancer stage.”

Despite enduring aggressive chemotherapy and treatments that took a toll on his body, Johnathan was declared NED (No Evidence of Disease) in the summer of 2022. Never one to let hardship stop him, he doubled up on classes in the Fall that he missed from his sophomore year, ultimately earning induction into the National Honor Society. That December, he fulfilled a dream by traveling to Hawaii through Make-A-Wish - a cherished family trip filled with lasting memories.

This experience made him realize that he wanted to make an impact in the medical field. Inspired by the compassionate care he received and determined to help kids just like him, he wanted to be able to say “If I can do it, then so can you!” Tragically, his senior year brought relapse in December 2023 with a tumor found at the base of his skull. After another successful round of surgery and radiation, he was once again NED - but only briefly. Soon after graduating with the Class of 2024, scans revealed new lung nodules and some new bone lesions.

Even as his health declined, Johnathan continued to live fully - traveling to Canada with friends, attending Red Sox Spring Training with the Jimmy Fund, and buying (then upgrading) his first motorcycle. Through it all, he remained the same determined, witty, and thoughtful young man who never once asked, “Why me?”

Our deepest gratitude goes to our second family at the Maine Children’s Cancer Program - Dr. Aaron Weiss and team of oncologists, Liz, Shannon, Dr. Caldwell, Rachel and Avi from the PACT team - who stood by him every step of the way. To the teams at Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, Dana-Farber Jimmy Fund Clinic, and Boston Children’s Hospital - thank you for your compassionate care over the past 4 years.

Johnathan showed us all what it means to be brave and a true warrior. He taught us about resilience, strength, and the power of a positive mindset, even in the darkest of moments. While our hearts now carry a painful void, we are endlessly grateful for the 18 beautiful years we had with him. We take comfort in believing that he is now reunited with his grandfather, who surely welcomed him with open arms.

Johnathan is survived by his parents, Stephanie Roy and Ronald Morin Jr.; Bonus Dad - James Roy; Siblings - Hannah Aldrich, Ashley Morin, Jaydon Roy and Jaxson Roy; His Nana - Linda Banks; Grandparents - William and Darlene Roy and Ronald Sr. and Annette Morin. He was also deeply loved by special aunts, uncles and cousins - Alyson Shaw (and Family), Miranda Dobbins (and Family), Bill Burke (and Family). He leaves behind many great-aunts, great-uncles from the Banks Family, the Morin Family and the Roy Family. We cannot forget the countless friends who stood by him during his darkest days.

#TeamRocket was a powerful force - lifting him up with love, prayer, and unwavering support. We thank you all. And we know his loyal feline friend, Puck, will miss him dearly, just as we all will. Rest easy, JohnnyRocket. You will forever be our hero.

If you feel moved to honor Johnathan’s memory, please consider making a donation in his name to the Maine Children’s Cancer Program or the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. Your support helps bring hope, healing, and comfort to children and families facing similar battles.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Friday, July 25, 2025 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at The Fortin & Pinette Group, 305 Alfred A. Plourde Parkway, Lewiston. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at 11 am at the funeral home followed by committal prayers at Gracelawn Memorial Park, Auburn.

Please visit www.FortinPinetteGroupLewiston.com to sign Johnathan's guestbook and leave memories and condolences for the family.