Joshua J. Parikh, 27 of Califon, NJ died Sunday August 22, 2021. Beloved son of Leslie and Jigesh. Joshua was an avid sports fan , loved Fantasy Football, boxing and baseball.
Josh was a kind soul who’s smile lit up every room he entered. He loved his brother and family with all of his heart. His family came first. His brother Christopher Parikh was his best friend. Their relationship personified brotherhood. Josh always had a hug and a kiss for all and never parted ways without an “I love you”.
Josh was a sports and fitness fanatic. He took great pride in keeping physically fit. In his youth he was an outstanding basketball player.
He was a kind soul who enjoyed food, especially Indian food and sausages. Josh loved to spend time with his mother hiking, biking, listening to music, and catching up on gossip. His mother was his biggest champion. Josh also loved to spend time with his father just hanging out talking about sports, politics, and stocks. He spent many of his younger years playing competitive basketball with his father by his side.
Josh loved spending time with his family, Grandma Kaaren and Josh enjoyed gardening. Josh loved his Grandma Bharti’s Indian food and listening to Da Da’s life lessons. Josh adored his Pops spending time with him traveling and golfing…and of course…more life lessons.
He loved his work and was enthusiastic about his future career.
Josh was a graduate of East Stroudsburg University and worked as a Deduction Analyst at Reckitt-Benckiser in Parsippany, NJ.
Joshua is survived by his father and step-mother, Jigesh and Jane Parikh, his mother and step-father, Leslie Saleeby Parikh and Matthew Saleeby.
His grandparents, Richard Sturgeon and Kaaren Wolfarth and Narendra and Bharti Parikh, his brother, Christopher Parikh and step-brothers, Sam Hauptly and Justin Saleeby, step-sisters, Ellie Hauptly and Paige Saleeby, his aunts, Lizzy Miller and Jennifer Sturgeon and his uncles, Michael Sturgeon and Jiren Parikh..
Please join us in honoring and remembering Josh.
Family and friends will gather at the Cochran Funeral Home 905 High Street Hackettstown, NJ on Friday, August 27th for a memorial visitation from 2 -6 pm.
In lieu of flowers donations to the Susan G. Komen Foundation , 785 Springfield Avenue. Summit, NJ 07901 would be greatly appreciated.
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Clarke and Kathy DeBlasio says
August 24, 2021 at 2:08 amThey’re really aren’t any proper words to say at a great loss such as this. We just want you to know we are terribly saddened by the loss of your beautiful son. We pray you can believe he’s in a better place. We’re always there for you.
Cindy Field Ruggiero says
August 24, 2021 at 7:59 amI am so saddened for you all…. There are no words… 💙
Dick Hopkins says
August 24, 2021 at 11:34 amI am so saddened by your loss. Josh was such a sweet person. I will always remember his friendly smile.
Claudia K Tiger says
August 24, 2021 at 1:51 pmMay God somehow hold all your hearts tightly so all your wonderful memories of Joshua wrap around those hearts in a big hug of love during this unimaginable time of loss to give you strength. My prayers and my heartfelt condolences go out to you all. (((HUGS))) Mom Tiger
Laurie Barton says
August 24, 2021 at 1:58 pmA pain unimaginable for a parent to endure, my thoughts and prayers are with Josh’s family. Leslie- I hope you find strength and support from everyone who loved Josh. My prayers and condolences.
Karen collins says
August 24, 2021 at 4:22 pmMy heart aches for you and your family. You are in my prayers.
Kim Weyeneth says
August 24, 2021 at 4:29 pmNo words can describe how sorry I am for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you all.
May God keep you strong and united through this tough time. I pray he wrap his loving arms around you and comfort you.
God Bless You Josh and Family
Steve & Linda Padula says
August 24, 2021 at 4:35 pmSo sorry to hear about the tragic passing of your son. We don’t know what to say, except that we are praying for you and ready to help if you need anything. Can not imagine your pain. Hoping that your good memories will comfort you .
Sharon Carfaro says
August 24, 2021 at 5:57 pmOur heart goes out to you and your family!
No words to lessen your pain and heart ache!
Mr Carfaro and I send love and prayers.
Gods grace and support to you . I will keep you in
My daily prayers 🙏
Beth-From Tony's Bistro says
August 24, 2021 at 11:12 pmThere are no words to console you at this time of loss. Just know my thoughts, Prayers and Love are with you all.❤
David M says
August 24, 2021 at 6:30 pmGod speed young man … I know that you were loved and that you will always be felt in the hearts of others.
Denise Morris says
August 24, 2021 at 11:44 pmI can’t possibly imagine the pain of losing your child. I can only hope that some day you will be comforted by your happy memories with him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. 💙💙💙
Renee Ballentine says
August 25, 2021 at 12:46 amMy heart is broken for you all. There are no words to lessen your pain, but I hope you feel the love wrapped around you. Sending prayers of comfort and strength for the days ahead. 🙏🏻❤️
Leslie Pegue says
August 25, 2021 at 1:44 amLeslie, there are no words for a loss like this. I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
x4___ says
August 25, 2021 at 5:46 amHello, I never met Josh in person but he was a part of our small online community playing Age of Empires. He was very well-liked amongst the community and we are all reeling at this tragic news.
I cannot begin to imagine how the family is feeling, but I know how I’m suddenly feeling and if Josh can leave such an impact on a small community of online random people then I’d hate to imagine those who knew him in person and those who nurtured him since childhood are feeling.
I have said a prayer today that the family might have comfort in knowing that they raised a terrific young man and that your mind is flooded only with the very happiest of memories during this time of grief.
jigesh parikh says
August 25, 2021 at 4:42 pmThat post about Josh meant so much to our family. He loved that game and community. Thanks from all of his loved ones.
Kim Oster turse says
August 25, 2021 at 1:41 pmI’m so very sorry for your loss no family should have to deal with the loss of a beloved child- many prayers being sent to you
Rachel Wyckoff says
August 25, 2021 at 1:51 pmSending love and light to the family.
Sharon Flynn says
August 25, 2021 at 3:41 pmLeslie, I do not have the words to fully express just how sorry and heartbroken I am for you and your family. You would light up any time you spoke about Joshua . Although I never had the pleasure to meet him, I can tell that he had such a beautiful soul. I am here for you any time, day or night. Sending my thoughts, prayers and love to you and your family.
Patrick Meade says
August 25, 2021 at 6:45 pmI am so sorry to hear of your passing Josh. I will always remember the great times on and off the basketball court we had growing up. Rest Easy. My thoughts and prayers are with all of your family and friends.
Scott Sanders says
August 25, 2021 at 8:26 pmSuch a kind and good soul. So very sorry. Much love being sent to Jigesh, Leslie, and Chris. Our thoughts are with all of you. -Scott, Jocey, and Mason
Teri haus says
August 25, 2021 at 9:24 pmWishing your family comfort ,support and peace at this very sad time. Many hearts are with you and your beloved Josh
Natasha says
August 25, 2021 at 11:43 pmHello, I never got to meet Josh, I wish I did. He was such a blessing in my life, to imagine meeting someone on a online game, that could effect your life in such an awesome way. I am truly going to miss you my friend, you were one of the best and you made the 7 years of knowing you and speaking to you amazing.
You always made me laugh and our AOE and Gmod gaming got me through university, you were one of my favourites. Thank you for all the tears of joy. The random messages, and chats. I’m going to miss them all. Hope you are resting well, and my thoughts and prayers go to your family and friends, for raising such a beautiful person.
Andy Sontag says
August 26, 2021 at 1:29 amCondolences to the entire Parikh family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Leslie parikh says
August 26, 2021 at 4:57 amAs I sit here this evening listening to your music and reading the comments from your friends and colleagues as well as those comments directed to your family, my heart is irretrievably broken, yet I am beaming with pride. Joshua, you were the kindest soul, a dependable and loyal companion, your brother’s very best friend and the best son to your mom and dad. As I told you always, you are the apple of my eye; you and your brother are our pride and joy. Matt and Jane miss you so deeply. You touched and impacted so many in such different ways. You see these comments; I know that. Gracie recently said that aside from the obvious tragedy of your untimely passing, one particularly troubling irony is that you were the one that always internalized and absorbed everyone else’s pain. I know you are deeply saddened that your own passing has caused such excrucuating pain for your loved ones. Please know we will all find a way to somehow soldier on for you and Chris. I so anxiously await the day that we can sit and listen to our songs. I will be ready to outrace you on our bikes (or at least try) and I can’t wait to sit and play gin rummy once more. Get the deck ready baby and watch over us. I love you my wingman.
Leslie parikh says
August 26, 2021 at 10:11 amPlease keep your thoughts and condolences coming. They are so helpful to us all.
Anil & Rupal Patel says
August 26, 2021 at 1:36 pmOur heart breaks to hear such tragic news. There is nothing I can say that will do justice to Joshua, but our thoughts and prayers are with our family always. I am sure Josh is watching over us now with the same care and love he always displayed. We will miss you Joshua, rest easy.
Bako and Manisha Patel says
August 26, 2021 at 4:57 pmNo words can describe how sorry we are for your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Jeanne & Rob Schaffer says
August 26, 2021 at 4:59 pmOur hearts are broken for you. There are few words we can say. Josh was obviously a wonderful young man and his passing must be excruciatingly painful to you and your family. Please know that you will always be in our hearts and prayers.
melissa fogg says
August 26, 2021 at 5:41 pmFor one season, I helped coach the Califon school soccer team. It was not easy stepping onto a field filled with middle school boys, most of them probably wondering if I had any idea what I was doing. Josh was one of the very few kids who was always respectful, always kind, and would tell the other kids to pipe down when I was speaking. At the same time, he was a goofball with a wonderful energy about him. I am certain his energy is all around his family now, and I hope knowing how he touched other peoples’ lives brings you at least a small measure of comfort. Sending love, light, and special prayers with every falling star I see.
Kathleen Egan says
August 26, 2021 at 5:51 pmI was deeply saddened to hear of Josh’s passing.
My heartfelt condolences,
Kathy Egan
Diana says
August 26, 2021 at 9:04 pmFor the last 13 years I have had the privilege of being Leslie’s friend and a part of her amazing family. I have the privilege of knowing, loving and caring for Josh & Chris as much as any friend possibly could. I got to watch the boys go from teenagers to young men. Josh and Chris reflect the best parts of their parents. They are kind, gentle, loving, respectful. Josh and I shared a love of Kim K and shared many text messages with kimoji;s. I will miss those messages. I always felt that Josh and I shared something special. He and my sister have the same birthday and every year it was my joy to get to celebrate him as well. My love for Leslie’s boys has been a great joy in my life and a privilege to know and love them. They loved me and I always knew it. They loved Steve. At Leslie’s wedding to Matt, Josh and a shirtless Steve (no further details needed) stayed up together for hours and made quite the couple. It is a memory that makes me smile. I am privileged to have also been able to be an advocate for Josh many years ago and I hope that it helped make his life a little better along the way. Joshy, I promise to be there for your mom and Chris. I promise to love them and try to act with the kindness you always showed. I love you. I will miss you more than you know.
Katrina Brunner says
August 26, 2021 at 9:28 pmI’m so deeply saddened for your loss. I have never read such beautiful condolences about a person such as the ones written about Josh. He truly touched many people and is loved by so many. May family and friends find strength during this difficult time.
Brian Davidson & Jen Flatow says
August 26, 2021 at 11:41 pmNo words can express how sorry we are for your loss or lessen your heartache. Such a kind soul who always had a genuine warmth and smile about him. We hope you find strength and comfort in knowing that you are such amazing parents and that you made Josh’s days bright and happy. His spirit will live on in the hearts of those of us who were lucky enough to know him.
Our thoughts are with you and your entire family.
Karri Windsor says
August 26, 2021 at 11:51 pmLeslie – I cannot believe this. I am so sorry for you and have no proper words but just want you to know that I am thinking of you. I see so much of you in him!! My heart is broken for you. Please know that you are in my prayers and that you are not alone in your grief. xo
Lizzy Sturgeon-Miller says
August 27, 2021 at 12:04 amYou’ve been on my mind non stop. I watch Morgan and laugh when she does her “aggressive” face. It reminds me so much of you when you were her age. Your mom and I were looking at a picture of you on the back of a little car, and you look exactly like Morgan there too. It’s comforting to be able see you in her. It makes me smile.
I’ve been listening to “your” songs the past few days as well. I laugh at some of them….Ace of Base, the Sign and cry at pretty much everything else….but it also brings me comfort. Sharing a love of music with you is one of my favorite things. It’s only fitting the last time we hung out was at the A.J. Croce concert and we followed your mom as she stalked him afterwards. When I got in the car the other day and Time in a Bottle started on the radio (from the very beginning)I know that was you, letting us know you are ok.
I miss you so much. I honestly feel like you are the only person that really understood me as I understood you. My awkward buddy. Keep watching over all of us, especially your mom, Matt, dad, Jane and Chris. We will all be there for them down here. Send us more signs to let us know you are there and ok. I love you. We all love you.
Jen Farmer says
August 27, 2021 at 2:34 amPlease know how saddened we are in hearing about Joshua. We have been thinking about you all as the days tick by and the reality sinks in. He was always so happy and friendly to us and our girls every time we saw him outside the house. We will continue to think about you, your family and Joshua in the days, weeks and years to come and send you our love and support in the face of such tragedy.
Warmly,
Jen & Pat Farmer.
Carol Bradshaw says
August 27, 2021 at 2:37 pmLeslie, there are no words to erase the pain you feel. Please know I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
Matt Caufield says
August 27, 2021 at 6:18 pmMy sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Parikh family. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Shannon Baker says
August 27, 2021 at 9:02 pmI never met Josh in person, but I’ve worked with him for the past couple of years as a broker-partner, and he was the best analyst I have ever worked with. He was upbeat, positive, asked good questions and was so incredibly on the ball with everything he touched! I know what it’s like to lose a loved one suddenly, and my condolences go out to his friends and family in this difficult time. Know that his life touched a great many people, and left them better for the interaction.
Maxine Wolf says
August 28, 2021 at 2:30 pmI sat at my desk, thinking about Josh and how much he contributed to the group as well as to our well-being as a whole.
Being we were all worked from home for a long while, we would meet at least a few times a week to get together and chat.
Even though Josh was not in-person, he knew we were there for him and brought so much joy to our group. With his sense of humor and his upbeatness, he was a true gift to all of us.
I will now tell you about a couple of memories of past and present with Josh
I recall our last in-person party back in December of 2019, Kinnari and Josh were debating over who was younger. We all laughed about this.
Back on one of our calls, I recall Josh’s line having a whirring sound…he would say, oh don’t worry about that…it is just the maids vacuuming…it gave us a chuckle…
The best was during the snowstorm this past December – we shared some photos on Microsoft Teams – here is Josh, in shorts, shoveling in the snow – we loved it!!! We even used it for a party we had just a week ago.
When we were at the office, Josh had to sustain some tight situations at the beginning – he was in an 8×8 office – given that that is only an estimate since I am not good with measurements, though….sharing it with another person he had never met. But, you know Josh, he would spark up a conversation, make you feel comfortable and would become your friend instantaneously, like you knew him for years….that’s how Josh was – he was approachable and loved to make people feel comfortable and simply, happy.
In more than one conversation, he spoke a lot about you, Jigesh and Leslie – about the special times he had with you and how you both aspired in your professional lives – HE WAS SO VERY PROUD ABOUT BEING YOUR SON
Know that I have lost many in my life. But, I know one thing, keep speaking of him and the memories you shared; it will be hard at first, but as time goes by, it will be a lot easier. For me, he is up there protecting those he loves.
For this, know that the team and I are here for you and always will be. He may be gone in the external but will be forever in our hearts.
jigesh parikh says
August 29, 2021 at 12:57 pmMaxine & Team
It’s just wonderful hearing stories about Josh. I spoke to him every day and he would tell me about work and all his friends there . He had big dreams and goals for his future career. . It’s so great that people saw his in inner beauty and soul come thru and his sense of humor. Thanks for sharing, his loss is unbearable.
Love. His Family
Maxine says
August 28, 2021 at 2:46 pmKnow that he was like family to me and he will forever be missed. My condolences go out to his parents, grandparents, siblings, and aunts/uncles. An honor to meet you yesterday – my heart goes out to you all.
General S says
August 28, 2021 at 3:54 pmI’ve spent years playing Age of Empires with Josh, I can honestly say he was completely loved by the entire community and we are genuinely all in shock at the news. Josh had one of the kindest personalities, very understanding young man and always talked his future career aspirations. This young man had so much to look forward to and I’m so saddened he was taken away at such a young age. My genuine, heart felt condolences goes to his family and all his friends as I know he will be missed by all. GG Josh.
Joseph Yau says
August 31, 2021 at 8:39 amI know Josh through Age of Empires. He was a wonderful person and universally adored by the Age community. He was always upbeat and cracking jokes. We loved playing with him. But what made us really love him was his earnestness and kindness. He was never friendly, just sincerely kind. And I can speak from personal experience.
When I was no longer able to teach due to a political crackdown in Hong Kong, Josh persuaded Jignesh to help me find a job in the States. It didn’t work out. But I’m extraordinarily grateful and humbled. It speaks volumes to their character that they spent months helping someone whom they had not met once in person.
Getting to know Josh these several years, I gradually went from thinking about him as this fun and nice guy to realizing that he was really profoundly generous and good, that he really cared about people. Josh made our world a kinder place. He will be sorely missed.
Peter Jost says
August 31, 2021 at 2:29 pmLeslie – My deepest sympathy to you. Your colleagues at NJILGA send their sincere condolences.
Jason Holt says
September 1, 2021 at 3:39 pmSorry for your loss and deepest condolences.
NJLIGA Trustee
9mar says
September 5, 2021 at 3:31 amI met Josh in Age of empire.
He was a good player and a good man.
He was so nice to teammate.
GG Josh
Condolences to the entire Parikh family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bruce Bergen says
September 5, 2021 at 1:10 pmLeslie– My thoughts and condolences are with you and your family.
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