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Josh Alper Obituary
Oct. 24, 1973 - Nov. 2, 2013
Resident of Santa Cruz
It is with great sadness that we share news of the death of Josh Alper. Josh was killed while biking on Highway 1 just north of Santa Cruz on Saturday morning, November 2.
Josh was born October 24, 1973 in Palo Alto, Ca. Josh attended El Carmelo Elementary School, JLS Middle School, and Palo Alto High School where he graduated in 1991. He graduated from UCSC Stevenson College in 1998 with a degree in Literature. He began work in the University Library in November of 2005. Josh was passionate about his work in Interlibrary Loan and took great joy and satisfaction in being able to help students and faculty with their research. Josh was an incredibly kind, genuine, and generous human being, which was clear to everyone who interacted with him.
Josh delighted in the absurd. He was immersed in the Santa Cruz local music scene starting at Stevenson College and continued to compose, collaborate on, and perform music. His musical projects included Love Story, The Lowdown, Whysp, The Art Museums and The Fruit Stripe Band and many, many others. He curated a personal collection of mod, psychedelic, and folk revival music and artifacts; he was a cyclist and recently rebuilt a vintage steel frame bicycle. He was a devoted husband to his wife Annette Marines, a librarian at UCSC, and son to Marsha and Ted Alper of Palo Alto. Numerous remembrances have been shared on Facebook. We will miss Josh in so many ways.
All friends and family are invited to the funeral at 10 a.m. at Soquel Cemetery (Beit Olam Section)on Old San Jose Road in Soquel (across the street from Anna Jean Cummings Park), and the memorial at 2:30 p.m., Congregation Beth Am, 26790 Arastradero Rd. Los Altos Hills.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Josh Alper
Sponsored by Loving Friends .
Patricia Mellars
November 1, 2020
Dearest "Josh" I never got to meet you in person only through private messages but I felt I knew you. I will never forget your kind words and gift to my brother "Daniel" after his brain surgery. I will always remember your BEAUTIFUL words which kept me going through such a difficult time. You will always have a place in my heart.
C C
February 29, 2020
In my graduate school days in Santa Cruz, Josh always helped me with my interlibrary loans. He was always very kind. Hard to imagine a life so quickly lost. May he rest in peace and may his family heal.
February 10, 2020
Always thinking of you. Youre a true friend for life and Im trying to spread your goodness. Youre living on in others without a doubt. Wish you were here, but that you were actually here gives me some peace. Thanks for being my honest friend.
Christine Esler
November 1, 2019
Remembering Josh and all those who loved him..❤
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August 31, 2019
An old elementary school memory of Josh popped up recently, and googling got me here. I am very sad to hear of his passing.
I was a bit of an outsider back then. Josh still showed me great kindness and friendship. Thank you, Josh.
October 15, 2016
In our hearts.
Valerie Chaira
March 2, 2015
My name is Valerie and I was there that morning. My husband and I also lost a son and go to the coast almost every weekend to pay our respect to our son. We always go out on a motorcycle. The only freedom we have after our loss. I want you to know I prayed for your Josh right after this happened to him. We carry Josh with us and think about him and talk about him as our family or friend. We have love for him. I think about him every time we travel to the coast. I just now have gotten the courage to read more about him. It is with respect that I use his name. I am so sorry for your loss.
G Martinez
January 16, 2015
Although I knew him very briefly, Josh was a very kind person to work with at the library. Even when I got laid off, he offered to see what other positions were there. He and I loved to talk about music and bikes. One thing I regret was not saying goodbye when I moved back home after I graduated. Finding out about his death a month afterwards really got to me. Sometimes I still think about him. He was a good person to know. He was definitely an essential part of my experience when I lived in Santa Cruz. I hope wherever he is now, he's riding a bike and playing music.
November 3, 2014
Marsha & Ted we want to express our sorrow in the loss of your son, Josh. He sounds like a wonderful young man. sorry we never got the chance to meet him.Our sincere condolences to both of you and his wife. Love Rita & Lew Sims
James Rincon
July 21, 2014
I'm sorry to hear of your loss. I attended Stevens College with Josh, and rode with him on occasions. I recently moved back to the Bay area and contacted him. He told me he had recently used some parts I gave him while in college to rebuild a bicycle. I'm glad I was able connect with him one more time.
James Barrick, Ph.D.
March 27, 2014
It was with deep sorrow that I recently read about the tragic loss of Joshua. I still remember him as a delightful little boy. My sincerest condolences to Ted and Marsha.
Sharon Connor
March 14, 2014
Dear Ted and Marsha,
Bonnie Connor just sent me a note about your son, Josh's death last November. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. As a parent, I know how devastating it must be to lose a child. My thoughts are with you as your continue to deal with your loss. Josh was clearly a beloved man who will be missed by many.
Mary Alice Reid
December 17, 2013
I just found out about Josh, I am at a loss for words, but wanted to send my love. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
marsha alper
December 15, 2013
Thank you everyone for your kind and loving thoughts about our Josh. We appreciate it. Also many thanks to those who paid for Josh's memorial page to remain posted. You are so wonderful. We are missing Josh so much
Andrea Caponi
December 6, 2013
Josh was a wonderfull person as all his family, we knowed him here in Italy and he will be always on our hearts.
We send all our deepest condolence to Annette, Ted and Marsha.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joel and Gerald Dager
November 27, 2013
Joel Dager
November 25, 2013
I am very sad to hear about the tragic death of my old friend from elementary school. I will hug my wife and son a little more today, and I will look at my old school photos and remember my friend Josh. It is fun to read everybody's comments and learn what a neat man Josh became, and it is very sad that his life was ended so soon.
Mrs Patricia Mellars
November 14, 2013
My deepest sadness on hearing of the loss of "Josh" I never met him but through his passion for music he contacted me when my brother Daniel was in a coma after Brain surgery. Josh was so very careing with such a Beautiful Heart and compassion for others. Josh sent me his "Omnichord" to give to Daniel as he thought it might bring some joy back into his life when he was ready. To Joshe's wife and family I will pray that together you will stay strong . Words cannot express the sadness I feel and tears I shed. To Josh the kindness you have shown Daniel and myself will stay in our hearts forever. R.I.P. X
K. Hanson
November 12, 2013
Dear Annette,
So very sorry to hear about your devastating loss. May you find comfort from your and Josh's friends and family during this very difficult time.
Mike O'Sullivan
November 12, 2013
I was lucky enough to have Josh come into my life during my formative years. When we met in seventh grade he was already the human being anyone should aspire to be. It's no wonder I attached myself to him and his wonderful parents, no wonder his house felt like a second home, and no wonder that Josh influenced me more than he in his modesty would ever believe. It's a testament to Josh that I'm in great company: so many of the hundreds at his services knew him even back to elementary school.
Like all of us it's difficult for me to accept that this could possibly have been allowed to happen to Josh and to his family.
Thank you for everything, old friend.
DS
November 9, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I can tell that Josh was deeply loved by his family and friends. May you find hope and comfort in God's Word, the Bible. My deepest sympathy during this very difficult time.
November 8, 2013
Dear Marsha & Ted,
Robert and I were shocked and deeply saddened to read about Josh in the paper, and we send our heartfelt condolences for the devastating loss of your dear, sweet son. We grieve for you and wish you peace in the days and weeks ahead.
Sincerely,
the Pankonins
Chris Kilgus
November 8, 2013
R.I.P. Josh. I am sorry for your family that will have to go on without you.
November 8, 2013
You were the best sort of person. I'll never forget your love for music.
Stephen & Brenda Friedman
November 8, 2013
Marsha and Ted,we are so sorry to learn of Josh's accident and wish to express our deepest sympathy to you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alison Tassio
November 8, 2013
Josh was an unique spirit and was someone who radiated joy and enthusiasm. I am left to wonder now what could fill the space in this world that is left by his passing. My personal shock at losing a friend has been echoed by many and I now think of Annette and know that there is a community that cares deeply for her and the rest of their family. I choose today to think of the memories I have of Josh and to be thankful for them.
Richard Myers
November 8, 2013
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Josh was one of the nicest people I have ever met. I knew him from the Santa Cruz music scene about 10 years ago, hanging out at the "Beehive". He was kind and accepting to all those around him. His creativity and positivity inspired me and left a warmth in all our hearts for years to come. He will be greatly missed.
Christine Esler
November 8, 2013
My heart is sad, sending Prayers for strength to those he left behind..
johan schimmel
November 7, 2013
My sincere and deep sympathy for all those who knew Josh. To soon to young.
November 7, 2013
To My New Friend Annette, There truly are no words. Just know that you are thought of and my heartfelt sympathy is with you at this most devastating time. Allow your friends and family as well as the community to love and support you and hold you up as you grieve the loss of your amazing husband and friend. I wish there was something I could do and I wish there was something I could say that would truly make a difference - but, there isn't. I'm so very sorry. I feel for you and Josh's family. With thoughts and love, Sierra
A Friend
November 7, 2013
To Josh's Family: The devastating heartbreak resulting from a abrupt, and unexpected loss of a loved one is beyond the human capacity to rationalize. Love given to one another never ends. Josh's love for each of you is yours forever. Please know many are praying for you.
Neill & Linda Brownstein
November 7, 2013
so sorry for your loss..
Neill & Linda Brownstein
November 7, 2013
Josh, you have made a friend for eternity in Eric Bowman, who will treasure your memory forever. Sending light and love.
Fran
Ginny Steel
November 7, 2013
Josh was a wonderful person--thoughtful, funny, irreverent, and always his own person. He brought so much to the UCSC Library and everyone who interacted with him there. My deepest sympathy to Annette and Josh's parents. What a loss to us all.
Brij Lunine
November 7, 2013
My deepest condolences. I think I've known Josh for about ten years. I'd visit with him in the library and inevitably end up talking about cycling. He always asked such great questions and made keen observations--just a wonderful mind to be around. Of course it was years before I found out what an accomplished musician he was. He was that humble. We'll miss him terribly.
Wally King
November 7, 2013
Josh - I'll miss your great sense of humor and warm, loving personality. Your double-handed handshakes have made their way into my life. Thank you for the lessons in humility and appreciation of others. You will be missed!
Dave & Dee Gustavson
November 7, 2013
We send our deepest sympathy to Marsha, Ted, and Annette. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy and John Keller
November 7, 2013
We don't know Josh, but heard of his sad passing through a friend who tried to help him at the accident scene. We want his family to know that they are in our prayers at this time. Also, having lost precious family members, we understand the horrible, deep loss. Yet, we have learned -- and we hope you do, too-- that all he meant to you, he still means. All that he was to you, Josh still is. May good memories of him comfort you. And may your faith help carry you through the hard moments.
Amanda Hall
November 7, 2013
His quirky jokes always made me laugh. My condolences to his family and friends.
Ash
November 7, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
elissa mondschein
November 7, 2013
I am so sorry to hear about Josh's death. Josh was our ILL colleague and all of us at UC Berkeley are saddened by the news. Our hearts are with his family and friends, including our UCSC ILL family.
Dee-dee and Brad Block
November 7, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to Josh's wife and our old dear friends Ted and Marsha. We have so many fond memories from Drakesbad and will always remember Josh as a kind and fun loving guy. May his memory be a blessing.
Eric Bowman
November 7, 2013
Please accept my deepest condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with Josh's family and many friends.
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