Condolences and Stories from Family and Friends

“I am so sorry to hear the news about Josh. I want to offer my condolences. As the head of the office here, I had the very good fortune of working directly with Josh on a number of different projects. I found him to be not only a consummate professional but a very good person and a joy to work with. Much of our Program’s information is communicated effectively because of the efforts and expertise that Josh applied to his tasks. But more importantly, Josh developed a number of great relationships, both professional and personal, with people here at the office. He will be truly missed and our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.”

- Jim B.

“Thank you for being a constant positive force and presence. You were so good at providing perspective when it came to the hustle and bustle of work. You will truly be missed.”

- Dorothy D.

“My best memory of Josh was when he was about 5-6 years old. He was pulling his 2 year old cousin, Jessica, around in their yard mulch in a wagon. I also remember when they lived in Parma, Josh was in his little walker just bouncing around the room just singing away.”

- Audrey D.

“When we were little, I remember going up to Michigan to visit. We would line the staircase with every stuffed animal Josh owned, run through the cornfield by his house, look at millions of baseball cards, and attempted to do some TPing (never getting caught). As an adult, I got to go see Josh run in his last Boston Marathon. It was raining, cold, and miserable out, but amazing to be there to see him be in the marathon. We even got in a small car accident on the way to drop Josh off to the race. Josh just jumped into another car that was heading to the same place-never skipping a beat.”

- Margaret Y.

“The Universe is darker now with the loss of Josh's incredible light, but I believe that we all carry a small bit of it in our hearts. Josh was a 1-in-a-million, all round amazing human and it's so hard to imagine a world without him in it. He was always so gracious in letting me chat his ear off and ask him for crazy whale maps and data. I was always amazed and inspired by his athletic ability and commitment to running in the craziest places, traveling long distances to run long distances and traveling right back to get home. We compared vegan recipes and thoughts on physiology and how we could solve the world's problems, and shared many laughs over cubicle walls. But mostly, not a conversation would go by without Josh mentioning Christina and Angie, and his whole self just lit up with intense love and admiration. Relaying Angie's adventures and accomplishments with devoted pride. I will miss our chats, our laughs and his knowing, calm ways. He will never be forgotten and will always be loved and cherished. I'm so very sorry for your immense loss. Sending you, Angie and your family my deepest and sincerest condolences. May Josh's strength and love carry you today and always.”

- Desray R.

“Dear Christina and Angelique, We are so incredibly sorry and hold you in our hearts and prayers. Please know we are here for you. Much love.”

- Ron, Lisa, Theo, and Leah V.

“Man, this one hurts. I will miss Josh... Hearing his take on politics, his music recommendations (they were always on point!!), talking about what the Nats, Wiz or whatever local sports team should be doing better...and philosophy on life. Always had something insightful to say. Tough as hell, super intelligent, and hilarious. Taught me lessons about life that will stick with me. Lots of good memories in the bank. Christina, Angie and the family, my thoughts are with you all.”

- Jimmy B.

“I can’t explain how much the memories we have together mean. Thank you for the toughness, the deep thoughts, the grit, the humor, the spirit and for just being one good ass dude during all the miles we shared. Hope you and the fam can find some comfort and peace.”

- Tom H.

“I remember telling Josh when he was joining the Marines that we was too smart for that. That he should be in the Air Force of Navy. But Josh had his mind made up. And I noticed a change in him. It was the best thing he could have done. It made him a better person and look where he went from there.”

- Butch B.

“I have so many favorite memories. Let's see, swimming in Lake Michigan and burying him and Nick in the sand. Watching them play random golf in the front yard and - my favorite - yard fishing. I remember our vacations to Florida and New Orleans. Specifically, when we were at Charlotte's when he and Nick were playing "My Sharona” with their swim noodles in the pool. Also, when we were New Orleans when at 14, he and Nick tried to peek in the strip club on Bourbon street. There was a time once when Josh and Nick were little and we were camping, fishing was included. The problem was that no one knew exactly what to do with them. I’ll also remember, his multi-ranged love for music and of course his talent with guitar and piano.”

- Nancy B.

“Please accept our deepest and sincere condolences Christine, Angelique and your family. May your beautiful memories of Josh offer you lasting comfort. Sending love, strength and prayers.”

- Tita Jo Ann, Tito Obet, Robbie & Alyssa M.

“OMG ... such awful sad news. Josh worked in my department and was an amazing employee ... incredibly humble ... a great father and husband ... and an absolute stud on the softball field for many years as a team mate. So sorry to hear this ... he was an amazing person and will be missed.”

- Steve K.

“I worked with Josh for the past 8 years. I shared his love of sports, especially ice hockey and we talked about playing on frozen ponds where he grew up in Michigan and where I grew up in New England. We enjoyed following the Caps and celebrating their Stanley Cup championship. I knew he was a good athlete but never realized how amazing a runner he was. He never was one to boast about his talents. I which I had more time to know him better and perhaps play music or sports together.”

- Dan O.

“ Sending prayers for the repose of the soul of Josh...May God’s eternal light shine upon him..may he Rest In Peace. Our condolences to Christine and family.”

- Boots P.

“Christina I'm so very sorry to learn of Josh's passing. You have my most profound sympathy as you & your family endure the unimaginable loss. I hope you soon find peace and comfort as you hold on to his memory and the life you shared.”

- Clarence L.

“Please accept my deepest condolences to you and your family. I was so sorry to hear of the transition of your husband. I'm keeping you and your daughter in my prayers for continued healing, comfort, and peace.”

- Cindy M.

“My heart goes out to Josh's family and friends. He was a one of my favorite coworkers - always with a ready smile and lots of patience. He was so proud of his daughter. May you find comfort in your many happy memories. I enjoyed looking at his smiling face in your gallery - that's the Josh I remember with such a zest for life.”

- Amy S.

“I had the great fortune of working with Josh, off and on, for nearly a decade. His expertise was critical to our work; and to every discussion, he brought not only sane, intelligent solutions but also wisdom and his calming, serene presence. I had the cubicle next to Josh for several years, and when we chatted – often about running and nutrition – inevitably our discussion came around to family. Josh spoke often of Christina and Angie. And though I’ve never met them, I feel as though I know them through Josh’s eyes. I can still see how his face would light up, echoing his deep love and commitment to his family. I especially recall when Angie was learning to drive, got her driver’s license, and applied to colleges… A prouder father I’ve never seen. It’s not hyperbole to say that our mission would not have been accomplished without Josh’s contributions. He was essential to everything we did from the very start and he has touched every single aspect of our program… making it better. To his family, I cannot imagine the depth of your loss, but I hope you can take solace in knowing that among his work colleagues and peers, Josh was unequivocally considered to be an incomparable light, in a class of his own. I found Josh to be a person deeply respectful of all life and perspective, a joy to work with, and I will truly miss him on our team.”

- Brandi C.

“' ‘I'm so sorry’, ‘I've been thinking about you often.’ ... ‘I'm so sorry you're going through this.’... ’How can I help you?’ ... ‘I'm here whenever you need me.’ ... ‘I'm sorry.’ ... ’I love you.’ ... 'I’m glad we have each other for support.’ ... ‘You are important to me.’

Here are a few things we will say and yes, we all do care. Just know that he was loved and his memories will never fade. I and everybody knew that this was coming but you are never ready. Wife, Daughter, Mother, close friends. Please pray for each other.”

- Will S.

“When I think of Josh, the first thing that comes to mind is his smile. I had the pleasure of working with Josh for the past six years and being his colleague has been an honor. Even when I was asking for another map, some minor adjustments, or additional data, he would always greet me with a smile - often a chuckle, and add my requests to the list of tasks in his handy notebook. Josh was an incredibly hard worker, and when he wasn't at his desk he was on the move. Biking to the building, going for a run after work, always taking the stairs (never the elevator). What I'll remember most is his calm demeanor, how easily his laughed, and his kindness. Josh's light shone so brightly, and the world is a bit dimmer without his presence. I'm thankful to have known him and send you all my deepest condolences.”

- Isis F

“I am a colleague of Josh's and like many others here am devastated by the loss we are experiencing. Every interaction with Josh was a pleasure and he was integral to building the foundation of our program. He was also an awesome human being, undaunted by challenges both professional and personal, and full of positivity. I wish I had known how avid a runner he was before reading about it here so I could have bowed at his feet for running a marathon in under 3 hours! I am also a runner and can sense a kindred spirit has departed this world. Sadly, I cannot attend the memorial because my family and I will be traveling to see grandparents, but I will be there in spirit and I hope to visit his favorite running trails in the near future. Finally, I will leave a few selected words from Kenny Moore's eulogy for Steve Prefontaine because I imagine Josh would appreciate the tie to one of the most spirited and ferocious runners of the modern era and Steve's seemingly premature passing evokes the same sense I feel around Josh-- that we have lost a great man and a great athlete far too soon.

It is up to us now to hold him in mind clearly, to remember him as he touched us....Time holds him green and dying, though he sang in his chains like the sea. There are still two minutes on the clock. He could run a half-mile.”

- Emily H.

“Blessed to be able to call you a friend. Grateful to be able to share some of the happiest moments of my life with you and the family. So many great memories. You had many admirable traits, but two that always stood out to me were your positivity and determination; both influential to anyone who knew you. Christina and Angie, I am so deeply sorry. You both are in my thoughts, and I am praying for strength and love to surround you during this difficult time. We are here for you whenever you need us.”

- Sean Z.

“My favorite memory is when he was 3 years old, I think, bundled in snow clothes trying to walk in the snow at sand run parkway. The snow was knee deep for us but neck deep for him. No matter how many times we picked him up he just kept going forward trudging through the snow.”

- Jenny W.

“Like others here, I had the pleasure of working with Josh for nearly a decade. He was such a joy to interact with - I looked forward to teaming up with him on tasks or getting his opinion on local breweries and vegan food. His enthusiasm and compassion shone so brightly; his energy would cheer me up and provide calm even in the most stressful times. Not only was he incredibly accomplished, talented, and smart, he was refreshingly humble about it all. The world is so much less for losing him. I will truly miss him.”

- Erin T.

“My favorite memory of Josh was his smirk… usually it surfaced when we were joking around about music, life, or ganging up on Christina because Metallica is a totally appropriate, if not preferred, car ride soundtrack. Josh was a great dad, husband, and friend. He gave me advice on all sorts of things; I am so grateful I got the opportunity to know Josh and am thankful for the great memories, laughs, listening to the Boss on vinyl, and the much needed imparted wisdom.”

- A Family Friend

“Our deepest sympathy Ten , Angelique and family for losing Josh . Never had a chance to meet him, but the pictures showed how much he loved nature. We heard beautiful stories about him fro your mom. We will continue to include him in our daily rosary . You now have a soul who would watch over you always. Be strong . Rest In Peace, Josh.”

- Eleanor D.

“How to even begin to describe Josh? Wonderful father to Angie, Loving husband to Maria, and an all around incredible guy. Josh was one of the reasons I became Vegan for 2 years! If I was ever looking for new ways to turn a compressed log of soy beans into a delicious meal, he was the guy! Josh was a marathon running machine, made even more impressive because I can barely run a mile! I think one of my favorite memories of Josh was when we went golfing at family camping and he completely yanked his tee shot left. The ball smacked a concrete wall and ricocheted perfectly into the fairway! I looked at him like, "What the heck was that luck?!" Josh just looked at me and said, "You gotta know the course layout!" That was Josh. Effortlessly funny mixed with an insatiable drive to be the best version of himself he could be. Just the best.”

- Dylan C.

“From the Guerrero Family we offer our heartfelt condolences to you Christine , Angelique and your family. May Josh's soul be at peace with our Heavenly Father. I pray for peace and comfort for you and your loved ones at this difficult time and offer my condolences to you all. His gentle soul will always be in our hearts.”

- Malou G.

“ Goodbye. A week before he passed, we received a text message from Christine regarding his condition. That night, I dreamed of having a conversation with Josh. A long talk but can’t remember all the details then he got up and said goodbye. He walked away and joined by a lot of white images walking towards a very bright light and looked at me one more time and disappeared. That morning I shared my dream to her Mom Ophie and said, when time comes I know where Josh is going...he was welcome in heaven. Missed you.”

- Dad, Rey G.

“I remember the day of his graduation from Mary Washington. He was so happy, joyful. As he was carrying Angie on his shoulders, he was all smiles. He was walking fast as Angie said loudly, Popsie, Popsie. Both of them truly love each other. We are very blessed to have him in our life. He will be greatly missed.”

- Mom, Ophie G.

“My favorite [memory] - the night before Nick’s wedding, we were hanging out in the backyard of the Canton house and having a little too much fun before the big day. We headed inside to call it a night and found Josh cooking 100 frozen taquitos in the oven, blasting and singing to The Police ‘Walking on the Moon’. [We] ended staying up another couple hours. Ha! Never short of a good time in those days.”

- Brandon S.

“How many people get the privilege of knowing someone like Josh?! He did life the way we were all meant to, and he was fearless. He loved his whole family with his whole heart. While the pain of him leaving us is unbearable, I also am thankful beyond measure for the joy and memories he brought in my life. As his cousins all married, he welcomed any new family as if he’d known them all his life. Then, he brought Maria and Angelique into the fold. (Poor Maria – I hope Josh had forewarned her when we met her the first time.) I remember July 4th fireworks at my house. We put all the kids in PJ’s, cooked hot dogs, and plopped chairs on my sidewalk to watch. After the Wadlington’s moved to Michigan, Josh and Margaret and Ben would record tapes to send to each other instead of writing letters. Now those were interesting and I still have them. I gave him his first piano lessons. He was so focused and really needed a real piano teacher – he was that good! He wrote songs for me to play – like “The Love Song,” “The Bat Song,” “The Merry Go Round,” and “The Detective.” Just the beginning of his amazing talent for music. By far, my most favorite memory is being included for his Marine graduation in San Diego. The dignity of the ceremony stirred up super strong pride; the joy of celebrating this accomplishment with my sisters and Josh evoked feelings of love that can only be described as similar to that feeling after the birth of a child. Oh, how beautiful to see him and his mom rejoice in the moment. Turns out, this was a turning point in more ways than one --- you know who I mean --- Maria and Angelique. I love you two so very much. That’s what makes this pain so hard to bear. Josh was as near perfect as a human can get. Yep, that’s what I think. And when I read these memorials to Josh, I am awed at the way Josh touched lives. His legacy, I think, is this: Grab life, do what brings you joy, choose well, and love them with all you got and more. Well done, sweet nephew, well done.

- Auntie Sally K.

“The wonderful, fulfilling life that Josh lead was remarkable and honorable. Memories of him will remain in our hearts forever. To my beautiful cousin, Collette please know you are constantly in our thoughts and prayers. I am soo very sorry. The Dorsey sisters are our favorite, loving and honest & beautiful group of strong women ever. Please rely on each other and us in your time of sorrow.”

- Julie J. & Laura

“I’m so very sorry to learn of Josh’s passing. Sending you much love and prayers during this most difficult time.”

- Maureen L.

“It was one of the first times I met Josh. I had come down to have a weekend with Jimmy and we had a big night on the town. The next day, we were going to Josh’s place to watch college football. I think it was the first week of the season. Josh is a Michigan fan and they were playing Appalachian State. I was in the middle of a bad hangover, but Josh fed us and I started to feel better. Unfortunately for Josh, his day got worse as App State had one of the biggest upsets of the decade and beat Michigan. We were both miserable, and yet, it’s a great memory for me. :) Josh is such a kind, thoughtful and clever guy. I would always look forward to seeing him when I came down to visit Jimmy. Josh is special. And his stories and memories and the way he treated people means he will live on in all of us.”

- Adam G.

“Dear Christina and Angie, I'm so deeply sorry for your loss. I'm holding you in my thoughts, sending energy and love. Josh had such a profound impact on Nithin's and my life in the short time we knew him. Josh was deeply warm and loving and as new anxious transplants to this area, experiencing tragic circumstances along the way, we so appreciated his sweet spirit. He was a deeply good soul. I know he will be so dearly missed”.

- Nayna R.

“We are never ready to have those we love leave us. Josh will be with you forever in various encounters. His life was one making vast impressions on so many. Dorsey girls are known for caring and strength. Collette, have faith in God and lean on your sisters. We are with you in thoughts and prayer., and only a phone call away. Love you”.

- Aunt Jean L.

“I met Josh on his wedding weekend. I’m grateful that I was part of such a special day and will always remember the shared joy between Christine & Josh and both of their families. Sending heartfelt condolences and the hope that his memory and legacy will live on in the stories that everyone shares. Rest In Peace.”

- Lizette M.

“It seemed just a few years back on a cold December day when my entire family drove from Chicago to Grand Rapids to attend and witness the beautiful wedding of Josh and Christine. Though that was our first time to meet Josh, his kind and gentle demeanor made us think Christine found a perfect match in him. Indeed, over the years, all we’ve been hearing was how good and loving family man he had become! You are all in our thoughts and prayers, Christine, Angelique and the entire family during this trying time. And to Josh…. safe travel to God’s kingdom!! “

- Maynard M.

“We offer our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. May Josh’ soul be at peace with our Heavenly father. Your Gonzales family here in the Philippines are praying that our Lord will bless and comfort you and Angie during this time of grief. We love you.”

- Cousin Maricar and Dondi Y.

“May Josh rest in peace. Sending my warmest thoughts and condolences to your family and loved ones.”

- Peter G.

“Josh was a colleague for almost a decade, a work friend, and fellow GIS/map nerd. We spent a lot of time trying to respond to map requests, interagency coordination teams, BOEM Data/Map/GIS teams and a never- ending stream of requests for information about map data. He was always more good natured about these seemingly nonsensical efforts than most of the rest of the team members. When he told me, he was sick, my heart sank, and I kept hoping and praying that some medical treatment would turn things around for him – it didn’t though. But, when I think of how Josh lived his life, it was with purpose, love, activity, and fierceness that frankly anyone would envy. We will miss his smile, his laugh, his stories about friends and family and his own endeavors. RIP Josh – we will keep you in our memories forever.”

- Christine T.

“Josh was one of those incredibly unique people that when you spoke to him, you believed you could do anything. That's the kind of person he was, he put his heart and soul into everything he did. He has always been, and always will be someone I look up to. I will forever cherish the memory of our trip to Boston for the marathon. What an incredible experience! I think we can all look back now and laugh at the very odd car accident we were in and Josh jumping in a strangers car to make it to the race. I always enjoyed our chats about GIS and floodplain maps and listening to him play the mandolin at family camping. I am so blessed to be able to call Josh my cousin, he is deeply missed.”

- Caroline C.

“I am the Chief of the Geospatial Services Division at BOEM. Josh was a highly respected professional colleague and among the rare cartographers who endeavored to map the ocean and portray its complex chemistry with a color palette of lines, polygons, points and arrows. His analysis and understanding of ocean data have guided many important decisions regarding marine spatial planning in federal waters.
Josh has gone home now, guided by the trails he mapped and by the light of those he has loved. At last leaving those of us who grieve his passing with the memories he gave, the good he did, the dream he kept alive, and a single, enduring image - the image of a man a running; smiling broadly as he navigates the geography, ready for what may come, carrying on toward some new and wondrous place just beyond the brow of horizon. He will be missed deeply by his fellow geographers.”

- Beth W.

“Dear Christina: I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family have my deepest sympathy, sincerely.”

- Paula M.

“I really enjoyed working with Josh. He was always good for a laugh, talking about music, and talking about baseball. So many good times at the office and on the softball field. Christina and Angelique - you and your family are in my thoughts.”

- Fred K.

“Josh was one of my absolute favorite co-workers. We shared a love of maps, software, and running. He was so good at not directly admitting he was both the fastest runner I have ever meet and an incredibly talented cartographer. He had a way of making me feel both better about my terrible, slow, pace and super inspired to keep at it. I mean, he commuted to work some days by running the W&OD. I think it was 11 or 12 miles. I always walked away feeling grateful to work with such a modest, kind, smart, and crazy athletic person. He will be deeply missed.”

- Jen M.

“Every...single...memory was a great one with Josh. From getting schooled on what good music really is, beating some recent grads at Angie's graduation party to doing the caber toss during a late night of family camping. My favorite times were the marathons though. It's going to be tough running without you, man. At least now the voice in my head during the last few miles won't be mine but yours telling me to suck it the hell up. I'm going to miss you, Cuz.”

- Eric N.

“My condolences to you and your family. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.”

- Bill B.

“I want to express my heartfelt and deepest condolences to the entire Wadlington family. I worked with Josh for over 7 years and had the great fortune of being his supervisor for the past 2 and half years. As a supervisor, you could not ask for a better employee. Josh was always prepared, excellent at his craft, and cared deeply about the mission of our program. He was a dedicated team player who was well-liked and highly valued by his all his co-workers. Josh had such a positive attitude and always showed incredible humility, poise, and inner strength despite all he went through during his illness. We are heartbroken by his loss. We will be forever grateful for his presence and the gift of having the opportunity to work with him. Rest in Peace Josh. You will truly be missed and never forgotten by your friends and colleagues at BOEM.”

- Annette M.

“My heart is breaking for you and your family. I don’t have the words to express my sorrow but have you all in my thoughts and prayers.”

- Debbie N.

“Josh is an inspiration, even to those of us who only knew him through his family. Christina, the love you all share is a miracle. Thank you for sharing yourselves and Josh each day through your warmth and incredible humanity.”

- Cathy D.

“ I always respected the intentionality with which Josh lived life, and it was my good fortune to have known him. My condolences to his entire family and close friends.”

- Eric S.

“My earliest and most vivid memory of Josh was meeting him for the first time in Michigan at your wedding. I didn't know what to expect and remember asking Lynn about "the guy you're marrying" being all protective about it. However, after spending some time with him, seeing you with him and how at ease and happy you were with him, I knew he was the one for you. You two were going to have a great life together and ride off to the sunset. We feel fortunate to have met and known Josh. He was such a wonderful husband, dad and person. He led a purposeful life and leaves behind a beautiful legacy in you and Angelique. We know that you will cherish his memories and honour him in how you'll live. Wish we could've been there with you, but know that you were always in our hearts and thoughts. Sending you lots of love, we are here if you need us.”

- Michelle and Theo G.

“My deepest condolences and prayers are with you, Angie, and your entire family. Josh's passing is an unimaginable loss. I hope there is peace and comfort in your memories and the life you shared with each other. May you find strength, peace and comfort in the love of family that surrounds you and the embrace of friends near you.”

- Yvonne G.