Joshua L LaPointe

Funeral Information

Home: Burlington, VT
Date of Death: December 05, 2011
Place of Birth: Burlington, VT
Birthdate: October 21, 1977
Age: 34
Memorial Service: Saturday, December 10, 2011 5 pm Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop, NY
Visitation: Saturday, December 10, 2011 2 to 5 pm at Hammill Funeral Home, Winthrop, NY

Biography

Massena - Joshua L. LaPointe, 34, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, December, 5, 2011, at Fletcher-Allen Medical Center in Burlington, VT. Arrangements are entrusted to the Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop.

He was born on October 21, 1977 in Massena, son of Welby and Jean McAllister LaPointe. Josh graduated from Massena High School in 1996, and from SUNY Oneonta, with a BS in Mesoamerican archaeology.

 He worked for the Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington Vermont, and owned Indigenous Skate and Snow in Lyndonville. Josh loved the outdoors, from the Adirondacks to the jungles of Belize.  He was known by his friends and loved ones, too long to list for any obituary, as a loyal friend and a man with an enormous heart; when Josh was rich, all were rich. It was hard to cross his path and not fall in love with him, find yourself laughing out loud at his storytelling or recognize that you were in the presence of a light that shined too bright to stare into directly. It is unfortunate that his light burnt out too soon. Josh will be remembered for his love of music, his smile, his laugh, his hugs and the friendship that he offered to all. Most of all we will remember Josh as a devoted Papabear whose entire world revolved around his Babybear. We are thankful for his reminder that life is precious and fragile, and we will never forget how his energy, creativity and love touched all of our lives.

Josh is survived by his wife, Heather and son, Noah; his parents, Welby and Jean LaPointe of Massena; his grandmother, Elizabeth McAllister of Ft. Jackson, his devoted partner, Malloree Kish, aunts, uncles, and cousins; Sheila Wagner, Brett and Philip, Lee McAllister and Benjamin and Jenae, Robert and Marybeth McAllister, Linda and Al Wilson, Dennis and Lynn LaPointe and Kimberly Willits. He was predeceased by his grandfather, Leland McAllister and his cousin, Cory McAllister.

Family and friends may gather at the Hammill Funeral Home Saturday from 2 to 5 to share memories and stories of Josh's life. His Celebration of Life Service will begin at 5, led by his friend Scott Raymond from Burlington, VT.

Those wishing to do so, please consider donations in Josh's honor to the E I Moses Walk/Run for Life, Inc., P. O. Box 87, Colton, NY 13625.

Please share a memory of Josh with his family at www.hammillfh.com.
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Candles

Tammy (Warren) Cole 2011-12-07 19:34:41
Joshie, I will always remember as that, always quick with a smile, a joke, carrying an inner light that was contagious. Even though I haven't seen you in years, you will be thougth of fondly and everytime I watch the Dukes of Hazzard or Gilligans Island I will think of playing the parts at mom and dad's and fighting over who got to be which character. Too soon my friend, too soon
April Tresohlavy Jones 2011-12-08 01:14:22
Josh, We hadn't been in touch, really, in a long time. I will remember the play house in your backyard, how much fun it was to run around the neighborhood, riding our bikes, writing in chalk on the streets in the summer and building snow men and forts in the winter. I remember you guys always made me be the girl - Princess Leia, April from Ninja Turtles, etc. so lame - lol. I understand you are a great father, I am sure your little boy will miss you. Josh, you have left too soon.
Jason 2011-12-08 03:01:43
Back in the day Josh use to make smart ass comments when he came in the bathroom while i was smoking ciggs. We where close friends and will never forget the laughs and jokes. Gonna miss you buddy.
Karri R. 2011-12-08 03:17:53
I think we were in every homeroom together from 7th grade on. You made me laugh with your funny storied and I smiled every time I saw your amazing dimples! It's so sad how people lose contact with one another. I hope you found the peace you were searching for.
Eric Converse 2011-12-08 04:06:07
Josh was always there when you needed a laugh didn't matter when it was like he took it personal if you were sad he wouldnt leave you alone till you had a smile on your face and laughing.
Jenae F 2011-12-08 04:52:11
You've always been one to make everyone smile and laugh whenever you were around. Your light shined on all of us when you were around, from the time all us grandchildren were little all the way up. We will always remember the laughs and smiles you gave us through your amazing personality. Keep shining up there, we'll continue to be blessed with your light. You're forever young, loved, and missed.
Michelle Sharlow Newberry 2011-12-08 16:08:44
It's been a very long time since high school, but I will never forget how you always had a smile to make everyone laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this difficult time.
Mera F. 2011-12-08 16:43:59
I remember a very energetic little 7th grader, that had nothing but love for life and music. He would break out into dance, or song whenever given the chance, not matter where we were at. Josh always greeted with a hug, and a "hey cuz". Throughout the years, he was always just there, with a smile and a joke. We had lost touch throughout the years, only to be reconnected via facebook. I am so glad I was able to atleast tell him what a good person and friend he has been to me and how much I missed his laugh. I'm not saying goodbye, I say "take care my friend, until we meet again." Bless Up....
Shirley Wheeler 2011-12-08 17:36:51
I never really got a chance to get to know Josh very well but I do know that he was truly loved by his entire family. His parents are by far two of the nicest people I have ever met and after spending a weekend with Jean in NYC with her sister Sheila I got a chance to meet the real Jean and she is just extraordinary:) Josh, you truly left an undeniable impression on both of your parents and they were beyond words proud of you for your accomplishments and the beautiful grand-baby you blessed them with:) Rest In Peace you will be truly missed.
Jacob VanZutphen 2011-12-08 17:44:24
Team Husky will never be the same again. Autumn and I always loved to see you. Your animated stories and critical concert reviews always made us laugh. We will always remember your kindness and will pass it on.
Cherilyn MacDonald Bush 2011-12-08 18:38:11
I graduated with Josh, I don't have many stories to tell, but I do know he was loved by many people, I just wanted to send my thoughts and prayers, another one taken away way to soon, RIP Josh :-(
Angie (Carney) Smith 2011-12-08 19:54:58
I feel lucky to have known Josh and shared alot of my high school days with him. He took me to my first prom, and introduced me to so many new types of music. I remember that he loved the outdoors, and it was no surprise he went ot Vermont he always liked it there. I owe him for catching the drunk driver who hit me when I was 15, he was the one who got the license plate number! We will miss you and our prayers and thoughts are with you in this difficult time. You were a great guy!
Josh Lapointe 2011-12-08 23:09:50
So very thankful for memories! You were always and always will be the love and treasure of your Mom and Dads existance. You gave much JOY over the years and blessed them with a beautiful grandson... so your legacy shall live on! Thankfully our lives on this earth are not measured by years, but by the lives we touch...and you have touched many. It has always been my pleasure to have had you in my life and watch you grow from child to man. You will be very much missed young man. We shall carry on sadly without you! Much love...Cindy Harper
Nate Lashomb 2011-12-09 01:35:15
Josh and I were both a bit a class clowns and poor mrs. Badger had both of us in home room. You will be missed friend.
Sharon (Trudeau) Cotey 2011-12-09 12:56:25
Welby, my heart goes out to you and your family during this extremely difficult time. Know that you have many friends that are you keeping in their prayers. Sharon (Trudeau) Cotey
Crystal Hollenbeck-Smith 2011-12-09 13:16:33
Josh, it has been YEARS, but I still remember all the fun we had during the summers at the pool. We were so close and you always made me laugh. My heart goes out to your family. You will be greatly missed and always loved.
Marcy & Lew Lottie 2011-12-09 16:21:25
Jean & Welby, Our thoughts and prayers are with you and if you need anything just let us know.
Ryan Barber 2011-12-09 18:47:53
We could all stand to be a little more like Josh. My stories are too numerous to list here, nor could I do them proper justice in this forum or current state. Noah, when you're older and you want to know what your father was like as a younger man, I'll be here. My wife is Christin Barber, and sons Sky and Reid. We currently live in Edmonton. I look forward to seeing what kind of man you'll be.
mary & ty danboise 2011-12-10 01:22:38
Mary first met Josh when he worked for her at the state park - probably 16 yrs ago or so. She says she'll never forget when our daughter, who was about 4 at the time, fell and skinned her knees at the recreation program & Josh ran to care for her like a doctor in the ER! He always mixed intelligence with love and humor and he always gave everything his "all." We loved Josh then and we loved him more and more over the years. He will be missed dearly.
Dee & Vern Osier 2011-12-10 01:24:56
Jean & Welby, My heart goes out to you in this great loss. I will always remember Josh as that cute little boy next door. I may have seen Josh at the store over here and didn't even realize who he was! I am SO very sorry for your loss....
Nicole Helmer 2011-12-10 05:31:09
I had not had contact with Josh since highschool, but he will never be forgotten. His good heartedness, kindness and sense of humor will always be remembered. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time. Josh were you another life taken to soon. RIP.
tammy ashley 2011-12-10 18:43:23
so sorry to hear of your loss my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Lori St.Thomas- Davidson 2011-12-10 19:31:31
The other day I happend to be going through old photo albums when I came upon tons of pictures of Josh and I, we were like peanut butter and jelly. I have many wonderful childhood memories of us. The thing I remember the most is how Josh was such a gentlemen even at a young age. We would go for walks in the woods and he would always pick me flowers. You will be greatly missed. See you again someday, R.I.P. my friend.
Terry & Millie Castagnier 2011-12-11 00:46:18
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Terry & Millie
Keith Mahoney 2011-12-11 23:18:44
Some people in life you just click with...Josh is one of those people. Salt of the Earth type who would literally give you the shirt off his back or his last dollar if it meant you'd be a little more comfortable. Personable, Hilarious, Intelligent, Selfless & Honest are just some of the words that come to mind when thinking about Him. He once told me his Son, Noah, is the Best Friend that he's ever had. Miss you Brother, too soon Man...
Nancy Bogosian 2011-12-12 13:46:43
Josh lit up my classroom in 8th grade in his own unique way. He didn't walk in, he made an entrance. He was always smiling and that was contagious. He was full of life and energy, a joy to have in the classroom. God bless his family. You are in our prayers.
vincent and Holly Vari 2011-12-13 16:04:17
WELBY and family you have our deepest sympathy for the loss of your son Joshua. our prayers and thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Mike and Joan Brothers 2011-12-14 14:42:42
To the family we send our deepest heartfelt sympathy.Sorry we couldn't be there for you, we are in Florida. But our thoughts and prayers are with you always.
Susan Kinnear Segreti 2011-12-21 02:31:26
Welby, Jean, and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thinking of you. Susan Kinnear Segreti
Jim Mazza 2011-12-25 00:30:21
Hiking the north country. Rochester '98, and the cluckers @ Darien Lake. I will miss you!