Joshua P. Arena
Farmington, NY
Passed away on August 3, 2023 at age 43.
Calling hours will be held Friday August 18th 3-6 p.m. at Jarmusz Cotton Funeral Home (26 Maple Ave. Victor, NY). Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations maybe made to the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department (1225 Hook Road Farmington, NY 14425) in his memory.
Will be missed very very so much
Never never be forgotten rest in peace
Oh Josh,
You were, and forever will be, an important part of the Guerdat family.
We have so many wonderful memories…the 24 hour camping adventure you, me (Nancy) and Jen had, cut short by concerns about flooding and Hurricane Katrina, is still one of my most favorite kayaking trips! We practically flew up the road to get there so we could kayak out and set up before dark. We enjoyed the best breakfast ever; there’s just something about camping breakfasts that makes them the best! We explored the lake only to realize weather, related to the remnants of Katrina, could cause extreme rain and flooding and we should probably evacuate the island. So, what to do? Well, first we cooked our steak and potatoes, sat back and indulged and then, and only then, did we decide we should probably go. From start to finish it was truly a 24 hour event with me leaving you and Jen to drive back to Rochester stating, “The next time you want to have a 24 hour adventure, complete with 10 hours of driving time, give me a shout…this was the best! “ What a good sport you were.
Jen and you were a great team for Ashlyn. You created her together, you worked together to care for her when you realized you couldn’t live together in the best possible way for her. You were both flexible and honored what each other needed as things came up and schedules needed to change. You both made sure the other was included in Ashlyn’s life in every way. Thank you for this.
Jeff and I thank you, too, for bringing Shelby into our lives. We have always loved her even from afar. We will continue to love and support her.
Another time that stands out is our Supercar Sensations excursion to NC. Watching you drive those expensive cars with a huge smile on your face! I know the one you really wanted to drive was the Aston Martin and it wasn’t there that day, but you raced with the family and l believe had a great time doing it.
Some other special memories…
Our Christmas Eve and morning with Shelby, her note to Santa and watching her open gifts.
Your crazy antics with Ashlyn, particularly the picture of her standing in her crib with panties on her head and the caption of your picture… You guys missed a hell of a party!
Halloween fun at the zoo.
Your smile.
Trips to the beach and watching you fly a kite.
Father’s Day fun at Seabreeze with Ashlyn needing to “drive” those cars over and over. You, Jen and Shelby driving and crashing the bumper cars. You winning stuffed animals for your girls.
Watching you eat my Southern Banana Pudding dessert for the first time and asking for it again and again.
Birthday celebrations shared with Jeff and all the crazy birthday cakes you helped create for everyone. It was your desire to make them three dimensional that always threw me… you were so much better at it than me.
Your artistic talent that we so admired.
Your willing participation in all the crazy family traditions we had.
Your love of music although I have to say Metallica is one we still struggle to like.
Autocrossing with Jen and Jeff in the S2000, the fierce competition between the three of you, especially you and Jen, always questioning why Jeff was still beating both of you.
The times you helped with family construction projects, particularly the plastic shed and your understanding of where the “Guerdat temper” originated. The bathroom remodel with Todd and so many more furniture moving, rearranging and transporting… thank heavens for you, your strength, your truck and your willingness to always help.
We thank you, too, for bringing Dawn and Nadine into our lives.
We so wish you had had more time with all of us. You will be sorely missed always but we know you are right here watching over all your girls. You will be forever in our hearts.
Love,
Nancy and Jeff
Victor was Josh’s home. He was born, raised, and attended Victor Schools. His mom and dad, Lynnae and Lou Arena; his sister Jamie (Jason); his daughters, Shelby and Ashlyn; his grandfather, Don Robinson; and countless uncles, aunts, cousins, and other family and friends, as well as myself, will never forget him. I hope we will all carry on his legacy.
Josh was a family man, always wanting to be connected with family near and far. Josh also knew everyone. You could not go with him anywhere without him running into someone he knew. He left a mark on everyone he met. He was an amazing friend, always willing to give the shirt off his back or his time to lend a hand.
Josh loved his daughters immensely. Shelby was going to move in with him for the first time. He couldn’t have been more excited to have her so close to him. Ashlyn had him wrapped around her little finger. He loved that she joined the Marching Blue Devils marching band and was learning percussion. He was so proud of both of his daughters. He will leave a huge hole in both of their hearts.
When Josh loved, he loved hard. He never gave up on anyone, including me. Even though we weren’t married anymore, we still had love for each other. He gave me the greatest gift in the world, Ashlyn. And he will live on through her, and her sister. I see so much of him in both of them. They should be proud to continue bringing his love, sarcasm, love of cooking, joking, and grumpiness to the world.
To reduce Josh’s life to this one entry is impossible. He loved life, his friends, his family, his truck , his bike, and his cats. He was a truly wonderful man who will be greatly missed.
Such a demeanor & sweet soul! You left us too soon ! May your new path be as fullfilling!
My heart is heavy and condolences to your family Josh. You helped me out at work tremendously when I first started in the maintenance shop at Bausch & Lomb last year. You never judged me and always came to help me out of a jam when you could as I struggled with the lines….You’d never let them see you sweat and you never left me out to dry which is why this is a tough pill to swallow man. I’ll for sure remember all of the nuances of the machines because of you and the quickest way to get the machines up and running. Much love and respect to you. Rest In Peace.
Kazi King
Such beautiful words. Thank you!
Shelby, we were saddened to learn of your fathers passing. Please know we will keep you and your family in our prayers. Love, Gino & Peggy
Thanks for being my friend! RIP. We have it from here! You will be missed though!