Obituary of Joshua Aaron Wayne Curtis

It is with immense sadness and profound pride that we honor the life and legacy of Joshua Aaron Curtis, a man who exemplified the meaning of courage, duty, fatherhood, and heroism. Josh tragically passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025, after bravely rescuing his son Owen and his niece from a powerful rip current. In this final selfless act, Josh chose to give everything to protect the lives of those he loved, reflecting the unwavering character and heroism he demonstrated throughout his life.

Josh proudly served in the United States Army as an Infantryman for 10 distinguished years, exemplifying honor and bravery during some of the most challenging moments of his generation.  Josh’s first duty station was Ft Campbell where he was assigned to the 2^- 502 IN,101^st ABN DIV, Screaming Eagles. Under the 101^st, Josh deployed for his first combat tour to Iraq in 2007 as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  While on mission, Josh was wounded by an improvised explosive device (IED) earning him the Purple Heart. Undeterred, he courageously deployed again in 2010 to Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom, where, during a perilous final mission at the end of a grueling deployment, Josh's valor and courage under fire earned him the Bronze Star Medal with Valor. Retiring honorably as a Sergeant First Class, Josh’s military legacy remains a powerful example of service and sacrifice. Josh's other awards and honors include Meritorious Service Medal, Expert Infantryman Badge, Combat Infantryman Badge, Air Assault Badge, and several others.

After Josh retired from the Military, his healing journey began. He was accepted to his dream school, North Bennet Street School which lead him home to Massachusetts. He completed Carpentry, Cabinetry and Furniture Making and Preservation Carpentry. He filled his home with exceptional handcrafted pieces of furniture and soon began his own carpentry company “Curtis and Son Carpentry.”

However, his proudest achievements always revolved around those closest to his heart: his beloved wife, Barbara, and their son, Owen. Josh and Barbara met in Plymouth Ma. The two married in 2014 and began building their story with a Permanent Change of Station to Hawaii. The two spent many nights watching sunsets, spear fishing and snorkeling and enjoying everything Hawaii had to offer. A few years later, Owen James was born - Josh’s self-proclaimed greatest accomplishment. Josh loved being a dad more than anything. The two spent many hours fishing, endless playdates with friends, late night Mario and more. Josh adored volunteering in Owens school, coaching baseball and was planning to take over as Head Football coach for the Silver Lake Mighty Mites. The family enjoyed many memorable trips to New London playing at the brook, beach walks and simply just enjoying being together as a family.

Josh’s memory survives through his wife Barbara, their cherished son Owen, his mother, father, sisters, and brother, as well as countless friends, fellow soldiers, and community members whose lives he deeply touched. Josh’s story is one of enduring courage, profound strength, and extraordinary love and, ultimately, sacrifice. His life leaves an enduring legacy that inspires all who knew him and serves as a timeless reminder of the power of sacrifice and heroism.

Calling hours for Josh will be held Monday, May12th from 3 to 7pm at the Shepherd Funeral Home located at 216 Main St. Kingston, Ma, A funeral service will be held on Tuesday at 11am at the Shepherd Funeral Home in Kingston. Followed by a burial at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne at 1:15pm.