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Joshua Weissman Obituary
WEISSMAN JOSHUA WEISSMAN Joshua Weissman, 33, died February 9, 2012, as a result of injuries sustained while responding to an emergency as a paramedic with the Alexandria, VA Fire Department. Joshua was born in Ithaca, N.Y. on February 23, 1978. As a young child he developed a strong interest in construction equipment and fire engines. This fascination grew over time and at the age of 16 Joshua began volunteering with the Cayuga Heights Fire Department. With the department, he soon realized his passion for providing emergency medical care. While continuing to gain education and experience as a volunteer firefighter, Joshua studied at Ithaca College receiving his B.A. in history in 2000. As a student volunteer, he lived at the fire station. There he met and fell in love with another volunteer, Rebecca Updike. They married in 2005. Joshua served with several ambulance companies including Bangs in Ithaca, N.Y., TLC in Cortland, N.Y., Rural-Metro in Syracuse, N.Y. and the Washington, D.C. Fire Department. At 26, he joined the Alexandria Fire Department where he served for more than seven years. Joshua's peers and supervisors praised his clinical skills and his commitment to those he served. He was known to visit the homes of the individuals and families he helped, to provide comfort after an emergency subsided. Beyond serving as an emergency responder, Joshua participated in numerous committees for the department and as an instructor. His former students have expressed enormous respect for his work with some crediting Joshua for changing their lives with his teaching. Joshua's work has been recognized by numerous awards including the Alexandria Jaycees Award in 2011 for his contributions to the Field Training Program for EMS Interns, and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Valor Award. He loved and was loved by those with whom he worked. Dedication to his work was equaled only by Joshua's dedication to his beloved wife Rebecca and his family and friends. He was an amazing husband and filled Rebecca's life with so much love and a lifetime of wonderful memories to cherish. Beyond work and family Joshua filled his life with his love of construction equipment, American history, caring for his garden, playing with his most loved cat Nahla and as a proud fan of the New York Rangers, New York Jets and the New York Mets. Joshua was an exemplary human being. By the young age of 33, he had lived more than half his years as an emergency responder. At the same time, he created an existence both whole and balanced. Contentment and gratification were the result. What he would have accomplished had he lived will never be known. Yet, all who knew him knew his was a life full and well lived. He is survived by his loved and loving wife Rebecca; his adoring parents, Edward and Frances Weissman; his admiring brother and sister-in-law Gabriel and Jessica Weissman; and respecting extended family, father and mother-in-law Ronald and Maureen Updike and Rebecca's sisters and brother-in-laws Sarah and Rodney Smith, Michelle Updike and Charles McCreless, Kristin and Steven Pronko and finally his nephew and niece Trevor and Madison Smith. A viewing will be held at the Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home on Wednesday, February 15 at 5 p.m. and the funeral will be held at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road, Alexandria VA 22304 on Thursday, February 16 at 1 p.m. www.everlyfuneralhomes.comwww.everlyfuneralhomes.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Joshua Weissman
Randy Smith
February 5, 2022
Remembering you today!! Fly high! Paramedic School!
Matt Rogers
February 22, 2012
May you rest in peace among heroes knowing you made the world a better place and helped countless people in their time of need. God Bless you.
Bob Diskin
February 19, 2012
My deepest, heartfelt sympathy for your tragic sudden loss.
My sincerest condolences,
Bob Diskin
Randy Smith
February 17, 2012
Rebecca, The Weissman family and The Updike family. As president of the Arnot Ogden-Corning Paramedic class of 2002 from which Josh and Rebecca graduated,I wish to convey our extreme sadness for your loss. Josh was one of our true brothers in the field of public service. He will be truly missed and our hearts go out to you.May you find peace in your hearts knowing he was looked upon so fondly by others. Sincerely, Randy Smith Trumansburg NY
Joan Pierre, RN, MSN
February 17, 2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Ellen McCollister
February 16, 2012
Fran and Ed,
As a neighbor, a mother, and a friend, my heart goes out to you.
Auceda/Alvarado Family
February 16, 2012
Thank you Josh for serving in this city. You truly were the shining star today and it is people like you who put their lives on the line everyday. My utmost respect for you. God bless you and your wonderful family and may God watch over you and everyone else everyday.
John P. Bondrew
February 16, 2012
I wish God's Blessings upon you brother, and to your family and friends as well. You can return to quarters now, we will take it from here...FF/EMT. John P. Bondrew (East Durham, NY)
Jessica Peng
February 16, 2012
Rest in eternal peace, Brother Weissman. Your Brothers and Sisters the world over thank you for your service - your dedication and commitment to leaving the world a better place than how you found it. May God watch over those you leave behind.
Becker Family
February 16, 2012
Thanks for the dedication and love shared to all Alexandria residents... God be with you and God be with the ones the will miss you forever.
Suzanne
February 16, 2012
Josh, You lived your life as an example to us all, you will always stand for all that is Good, Just, and Right in this world. We will eternally honor you and your legacy. Your integrity, merit, and altruistic heart will live on in the hearts of everyone, and in the hearts of those of us who never had the opportunity to meet you and shake your hand.
The Korams
February 16, 2012
I thank God for Joshua's life and his contributions to saving and rescuing the lives of others.
God made Heaven just a little more beautiful!
May God's love, grace and mercies be with this beloved.
The Korams, residents
City of Alexandria, VA
Patricia Wilson
February 16, 2012
The members of the Stonewall Jackson Volunteer Fire Dept and Rescue Squad respectfully send their sympathies to the family of Joshua and our brothers and sisters in service. Rest well, brother.
February 16, 2012
As a mother of a volunteer EMT in NC my heart goes out to his wife and family and all of his coworkers in Alexandria. I live in Alexandria and I go to work each day through Seminary Rd. and it broke my heart the 1st day I saw the ambulance w/ Joshua's fire coat, hat and boots. God bless all of you....
February 16, 2012
Joshua, you were a servant to God and to us all. God bless you, and all who loved you. Anne Clayton
Rob & Khristina
February 16, 2012
We send our deepest condolences and prayers to Rebecca Weissman and the rest of the Weissman family. Joshua's heroism in his line of work will never be forgotten, and those he cared for and affected in his day-to-day work will be forever indebted. Thank you for gracing this community with your compassion and service!
James Holston
February 16, 2012
Our Deepest Sympathy goes out to the Joshua Weissman family and co-workers at this time of great loss. Any loss of a servant is a blow to everyone. May God truly bless you.
James Holston Shoshone F. D.
Elaine Salfelder
February 16, 2012
My deepest sympathy to Josh's wife and family. My brother is one of Josh's coworkers, and I am so sorry for your loss. I have not met Josh but reading about him, he sounds like a very special person. I pray that you can take comfort in knowing how many people's lives he touched during his time on earth.
Elisabeth Baker
February 15, 2012
It is clear to see that Joshua Weissman was a top-notch first responder and dedicated rescue professional -- a truly caring individual.
You are very special, too, Rebecca and family members -- our Almighty Father-Creator God will continue to hold you and provide His blessing as you pass through this awful valley.
Former Virginian
February 15, 2012
Very sorry to read about this sad loss. Thank you Joshua for your service, and thank you to the Weissman family for sharing such a courageous soul.
David Lynch, Chief (Ret)
February 15, 2012
Please know our thougths and prayers are with the Weissman and Updike families and with the entire public safety system of Alexandria. Eventhough Joshua and his comrades make a commitment to sacrifice for others, no one is ever ready for the ultimate sacrifice made by this dedicated professional. As Joshua is missed, he will never be forgotten! Please accept our deapest regrets: Johnson County Kansas, Emergency Services
Jeffrey Driskill
February 15, 2012
Thank you for your service, your dedication and your sacrifice. Your legacy of excellence lives on through your reputation and the high standards you set for your fire fighter family to follow. God bless your family during these tough times.
The McCarthy Family
February 15, 2012
Thank you, Joshua, for your devotion and service to others in the Alexandria Community. Your family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Roberta Brannon
February 15, 2012
May God continue to bless you at these trying time.May heaven smile upon you.
The Apple Family
February 15, 2012
Thank you, Joshua, for your service to Alexandria and your commitment to being the kind of human being we should all strive to become. You are an inspiration. May your family find comfort during this difficult time.
Alexa Marks
February 15, 2012
Worked with him at Alex ED. Always friendly, upbeat and devoted to his job, he exuded professionalism. It was an honor to have known him and worked with him.
Josephine Bloodworth
February 14, 2012
Josh was a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit. I will always remember his kindness,& huge smile. He always had something cheerful to say or try to make you laugh when he saw you having a bad day. I am going to miss seeing his face coming through the doors of Alexandria ER and hearing his voice on the radio. May his family find comfort in the words God has left for us all and through the thoughts and prayers of others that he send your way.
Josephine Bloodworth-Alexandria ER
Brenda Phares
February 14, 2012
I wish to express my deepest condolences to the members of the Weissman and Updike families. It is indeed a sad time for the City of Alexandria. It has lost a truly dedicated person. I will keep the families in my thoughts and prayers. May you find peace in God's blessings.
With deepest respect,
Brenda Phares
Amy Firestone
February 14, 2012
May fond memories of his dedication, service, and love of life comfort Joshua Weissman's family and friends at this time. Thank you to him and his coworkers for keeping Alexandria safe.
Lauren & Zach Nestler
February 14, 2012
My deepest sympathies to the Weissman and Updike families. As a good friend of Josh's brother, Gabe, and sister-in-law, Jessica, I know first-hand how special the Weissman family is and the love and commitment they have for one another. May God Bless them and give them peace.
K. Martin
February 14, 2012
When my son was about 16 months old, Josh and another paramedic visited our home because my son cut his hand and I could not stop the bleeding. The injury was minor but Mr. Weissman treated us with care and compassion. He not only put my son and me at ease but comforted my 3 year old daughter who was the most upset. I have always waved and smiled when we've seen him around town since then. I am so sorry our community has lost such a compassionate and capable man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and the Alexandria Fire Dept.
Bridget Willis Brewster
February 14, 2012
Our hearts and prayers are with the Weissman and Updike families. May your fond memories sustain you in the days and weeks ahead.
February 14, 2012
I worked with Josh at Alexandria ER. I will always remember his smiling face. He was always smiling when he came in. He was a very special person. Always made your day better by showing up. Thank you Josh for your dedication and love. RIP.
Tessica Tallman, Alexandria, VA.
The Hughes Family
February 14, 2012
Our hearts go out to both the Weissman and Updike Families during this most difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Dave Pronko
February 13, 2012
I just want to send my condolences and deepest sympathy to Becky, the Weissman and Updike families. I only had the pleasure of meeting Josh twice. My brother Steve always held him in the highest regard and had nothing but great things to say about him. I didn't get the chance to know this heroic young man as well as I would have liked but I could tell that he was a gentle soul that was quick with a kind word and a smile.
Dave Pronko
Dave Pronko
February 13, 2012
Just wanted to send my condolences and deepest sympathy to Becky, the Weissman and the Updike family. I only had the pleasure of meeting Josh twice. My brother Steve always held Josh in the highest regard and had nothing but good things to say about him. While I never got the chance to get to know Josh as well as I would have liked I could tell that he was a gentle soul that was quick with a kind word and a smile.
Willie Evans
February 13, 2012
Rebbeca, Fran and Ed, my thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will not be able to travel to see Josh off to his new life. i just want you all to know how i hurt with you all. I remember when Ed use to drive down to the station and drop him off to join an even bigger family than he already had. Who knew he would not only find the two most things he would love with his last breath. Rebecca, Fran and Don please find some comfort that josh has served well in his short time with us all. He will be missed and never ever forgotten. Bless you all..
Brian Bregman
February 13, 2012
Deepest condolences from the volunteer EMS personnel in Prince George's County, Maryland. May Paramedic Weissman rest in peace. -Brian R. Bregman, Volunteer EMS Liaison, Prince George's County Fire and EMS Department
February 13, 2012
My deepest sympathies are extended to Josh's family..... I worked with him in the Emergency Room in Ithaca, N.Y., and he certainly was a fine young man, certainly such a huge loss that words just cannot express.
Rich Entlich
February 13, 2012
Dear Ed and Fran,
Words seem so inadequate for expressing the magnitude of your loss. My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You are in my thoughts.
Rich
Marty Moses
February 13, 2012
Maureen & Family,
Lost for words except to say I will keep you all in my prayers.
hugs,
Marty
Christa Butterer
February 13, 2012
Rebecca and family - I mourn for your loss. Josh was a kind and gentle soul, who I fondly remember because I so happy that my dear friend Becky was so loved and cared for by another. My heart goes out to you all. God Bless - Christa Butterer
Harriet Velazquez
February 13, 2012
Josh was one of the very few people I have met in my life who understood his passion and followed it without hesitation. He left us pursuing what he valued most. He will be missed by many. My sincerest regrets.
Harriet
February 13, 2012
Rebecca, family and friends of such a wonderful caring young Hero:
I met him and Rebecca while I worked in the ER at cayuga medical Center. My love to all of you during these difficult times.
Ana M Villa, RN
Fred Bachner
February 13, 2012
I remember Josh when he first joined the Cayuga Heights Fire Department and his amazing ambition, commitment, and devotion. We have lost a true humanitarian much too soon. He served well and you should be proud of Josh for all he achieved and for all of the lives he made better.
Sally Quick
February 12, 2012
The man was a hero. That he was so loved and loving speaks even more of a great man. God Bless all of you.
Amber Fire Department
February 12, 2012
The Officers and members of the Amber Volunteer Fire Department wish to extend their sincere condolences to the families of Joshua Weissman. Godspeed Brother.
February 12, 2012
Dear Ed and Fran, our hearts break for you. We both remember Josh as a child when he came into Hill Drug. He was such a nice kid. Having lost our son two years ago, we know your pain and we pray that you find peace.
Reeder and Saly Gates
Reeder ans Sally Gates
February 12, 2012
My condolences go to the family and friends.I am very sorry for your loss. I hope that Daniel 12:2 bring you sincere and true comfort during this difficult time.
deb fox
February 11, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. R.I.P JOSH and thank you for all your good work on earth
for the family ,
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.,and Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
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