Joshua Leigh Elson

Joshua Leigh Elson, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8th, 2024, at the age of 48. Born on January 27th, 1976, in Tokyo, Japan, Joshua was the cherished son of James Andrew Elson and Elaine Mary Elson.

Joshua shared a beautiful love story with his devoted husband, Jonathan Alegarbes. Their marriage on October 14th, 2022, was a joyful celebration of the bond they nurtured, built on mutual respect, laughter, and unwavering support. He also leaves behind his sister, Miranda Hernandez of Houston, Texas, her husband, Gerardo Hernandez, and their daughter, Katherine Grace Hernandez, who brought him immense joy and pride. Joshua was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, whose guidance and love profoundly shaped his life and values.

Joshua was a dedicated professional in the IT and healthcare industries, known for his remarkable commitment to putting customers first, often at great personal sacrifice. He earned his Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science from Angelo State University in 1997 and began his career working for a partner in programming BMS systems while in college. He then spent a decade as a System Administrator working for GTE/Verizon on an Andover Controls enterprise building system. He then transitioned to Schneider Electric in March 2008, serving as a Healthcare Solution Architect and making transformative contributions to the field. Throughout his career, he has built lasting relationships with colleagues and customers alike.

In the course of his career, Joshua demonstrated unparalleled dedication to his work. He played a pivotal role in the security and healthcare sectors, notably leading significant projects, including the innovative smart hospital and patient room project at Penn Medicine leading them to name a lab in his honor. His commitment to excellence and to serving others never wavered, even as he faced challenges with his health. For the past 13 months, he continued to support various projects remotely while undergoing chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Joshua’s heart, however, reached far beyond his professional life. He was deeply passionate about equality and inclusion, donating time and financial contributions to the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). Advocating for LGBTQ+ rights weren’t just a cause to Joshua—it was a deeply personal mission that reflected his belief in love, fairness, and the power of community. Whether donating to the cause, lending his voice, or fostering connections, Joshua’s commitment to HRC’s mission was inspiring to all who knew him.

Beyond his advocacy and professional achievements, Joshua will be remembered for his warmth, quick wit, and adventurous spirit. He was a natural competitor, thriving in Tough Mudder, Spartan, 5K, and half marathon races. He also brought his boundless energy to trivia nights, impressing friends with his encyclopedic knowledge of music, pop culture, and TV shows. Joshua had a love for karaoke, where his passion for music shone brightly. Whether singing his heart out with family or belting out crowd-pleasers with friends, his karaoke nights were filled with laughter, joy, and unforgettable moments.

For most of the last ten winters, Joshua and friends shared a love of skiing, especially at Steamboat Springs resort, he would be the last one off the mountain, where he embraced every blue run with enthusiasm. He was always eager for his next travel adventure, but some of his favorites were: Guam, Puerto Vallarta, Prague, Seoul, Toronto, and New York City.

Joshua lived with a heart full of love, a spirit full of courage, and an infectious joy that lifted those around him. His warmth, generosity, and adventurous soul will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

A rosary and mass will be held to honor Joshua's life on Monday, December 30th, 2024, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, 2016 Willis Ln, Keller, TX 76248.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites contributions in Joshua’s memory to the Human Rights Campaign.