Housdan Joshua

Joshua Housdan, architect, beloved son, brother and friend died surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 24, 2019, following a massive stroke. He was 36 years old. Josh was born on September 28, 1982, in Memphis, Tennessee. His family moved to Charlottesville the following year. He graduated from Albemarle High School in 2001 after having attended Greer Elementary and Jack Jouett Middle School. Josh received a Bachelors of Science- Architecture from Catholic University in Washington, D.C., and a Masters of Architecture from Virginia Tech (Old Town Alexandria campus). He worked for Bushman-Dreyfus Architects in Charlottesville, Va; Kube Architecture in Washington, D.C., and later on his own from his office in Charlottesville. Josh loved his Washington, D.C. community of friends and following his return to Charlottesville, he made a point of keeping professionally active in D.C. to ensure frequent visits to the area. Josh had many interests and hobbies, but he especially loved to garden. Over the last 5 years, Josh turned an empty grass lot in downtown Charlottesville into a beautiful garden enjoyed by himself, his beloved dog Owen, as well as family and friends. Josh was fun, funny, intelligent, creative, generous, loving, forgiving and kind. Always eager to share his passions and interests with friends and family- whether it be his new favorite musician, book, film, recipe, or plant, Josh understood the affection conveyed through the giving of small gifts and attentions, and offered them often. He had a ready smile that seemed to lighten whatever load you were carrying that day, and a signature wave (one hand held up- palm open) with a sweet half smile, which was his trademark. It seemed to say, 'I am open to you. I'm here and ready when you are.' That gesture is pure Josh. Open, understanding, non-judgemental and friendly. Josh is survived by his parents, Dennis and Stephanie Housdan; his sisters, Lori Marshall (Chris), Ginger Graham (Greg), and Kara Housdan; nephews, Jack and Alex Marshall and Winston Graham; nieces, Maren Graham and Lily Housdan, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, all of Charlottesville. A celebration of life in honor of Josh will be held in his garden, at 811 Rockland Avenue, on Saturday, April 27, 2019, at 7 p.m. Donations may be made in Josh's honor to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at aspca.org or to The Humane Society of the United States at humanesociety.org, two organizations Josh supported passionately.