Joshua James Petrillo 12/2/86–1/27/26
(Please feel free to leave a memory or photo in the comments below)
Joshua was born with Williams Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. At 15 months old Joshua got spinal meningitis which made him lose his hearing and later in life he became a type 2 diabetic.
Despite all these challenges Joshua faced he never saw himself as different or challenged. In fact he thought of himself with so much confidence and love. He could do anything with no fear. He never met a stranger, and everyone became his new best friend. Joshua had a fabulous memory, even as a young child he would never forget a person or name or places he went or the years he did them. Whatever Joshua put in his mind to do he would do it. He had so much joy in him, he always woke up in a good mood eager to start the day and he never wanted to miss out on anything.
Joshua’s favorite thing and passion was karate, he became a black belt under his instructors Ric and Josh Quayhagen, they were his mentors, he called Ric his Sensei and Josh his brother. He received many trophies and medals that he is so proud of but most importantly was the many “new best friends” that he made and honored throughout his karate journey.
Joshua graduated from Leesville High School in 2006, he was a Wampus Cat through and through. He served in JRTC and was so proud of our military, whenever he saw a soldier he would stop and salute them no matter if he was on Ft. Polk base or walking through the airport, he always saluted and honored them. Joshua was so excited that he was going to celebrate his 20-year school reunion this year in October, but the Lord had a bigger homecoming planned for him on the streets of gold and the roar of a Lion.
Joshua started working at Wagon Master in November of 2017. He loved his job and was so proud when he hit his 8-year mark there. He loved all his co-workers and seeing and visiting with people that came through the door always making new best friends.
Joshua loved playing sports, he loved to swim and play incrediball with his church and play pickleball. He attended all Special Olympic events and looked forward to them every year. He attended the Leesville Lions Camp as a child for many years and as an adult he got to meet and greet all the new campers coming in on Sunday’s and work the carnival on Wednesday nights. He always looked forward to every June when he could serve at the camp and see all his friends, especially Mr. Ray Cecil whom he loved very much. Joshua loved all kinds of music and if you asked him to freestyle rap on the spot he could do it, and he didn’t have a shy bone in his body. Josh truly was the life of the party.
Most importantly Joshua loved hard and had so much compassion for others. He loved his mom, they did everything together, they truly were two peas in a pod, and he knew if he wanted something momma would get it even if step daddy Jeff said no. But oh, how he loved his step daddy, and the two together were always a bright light.
Joshua loved his church family, and he loved God and loved to praise and worship with both hands lifted high. There is so much more to Joshua’s life, but if we all could just be a little more like him what a beautiful world it would be!
#LiveLikeJosh #lovelikeJosh
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