Obituary: Navy Veteran Josh Amaya, 27

Navy veteran Josh Amaya, 27, of Fair Lawn, died Monday, the Bergen County coroner's office confirmed.

Josh’s family and friends have taken to his Facebook page to pay respects.

“[Josh] left this earth way too early, but has left an inerasable mark in all our hearts,” wrote one uncle. A friend mused, “You had an infectious smile, a contagious laugh and a heart made of pure gold. We will miss you forever, and the world is a better place because you were here." 

Dozens of others have written and posted pictures on Josh’s Facebook, offering condolences and paying tribute to his memory. 

Josh, who was a Navy search and rescue swimmer, is survived by his parents and two sisters, one older, one younger.  

Author's Note: In 2003 during basic training, I had the privilege of bumping into Josh. In a cafeteria full of silent recruits, while waiting on line for chow, I saw a familiar face. Much of boot camp is now a blur, but I will never forget how Josh broke the monotony of the day with his enthusiasm and that “infectious” smile—rarities in such an environment.

We later served together at Naval Station Mayport, in Jacksonville, FL, where he joined the crew of the USS Hue City. Though I saw him only a few times, his personality shined, and it was a pleasure serving with him. 

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Memorial services for Josh will be held at  on Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and again from 7 to 9 p.m., with a memorial service at 8 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to: 

VA New Jersey Health Care System
East Orange Campus
Voluntary Service Office (135)
385 Tremont Avenue
East Orange, NJ 07018