Joshua "Pooh Bear" Aldrich

Joshua J. Aldrich, 37, passed away on Monday, March 20, 2017 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Born November 17, 1979 in Rockford to Daniel and Linda (Engelbretson) Aldrich, the youngest of six children. Joshua was a true light in this world, and possessed the traits of kindness, empathy, generosity, and above all, love.

Joshua attended Pecatonica High School, and was musically gifted in many ways. He played several instruments and had a beautiful singing voice that was showcased as part of Kantorei Singing Boys Choir of Rockford. Through Kantorei, he traveled to Europe and abroad. He loved singing Karaoke with his friends, and his was a familiar voice enjoyed at many events. His working years were spent as a server with various restaurants, where he formed life-time friendships with both his co-workers and customers through his warm and giving spirit.

Joshua fought many tough battles on earth, but never lost his loving nature by becoming a bitter, resentful person. Instead, he stayed strong and focused on what was positive in this world.

He will be greatly missed, and is lovingly survived, by his sister: Debbie Holcomb, brothers: Greg (Tammy) Poulisse, Brian (Carrie) Poulisse, and Terry Aldrich, all of Rockford, Jeremy Aldrich of Alamogordo, NM, and Anthony Miller of Belvidere. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Jacob (Katrina) Poulisse, Jason (Autumn) Holcomb, Richard (Heather) Poulisse, Tyler Holcomb, Aimee (Sean) Armitage, Cortney (Jake) Cederholm, Daniel Poulisse, Nicholas Poulisse, Kimberlyn (Joel) Freudenberg, Kellianne Holcomb, Matthew Poulisse and Kyla Aldrich as well as four great-nieces and one great-nephew; aunts, uncles and several cousins. Also surviving, and no less loved, were his very many special friends, all of whom Joshua thought of as family.

Joshua was predeceased by his father, Daniel Aldrich, his mother and very best friend, Linda Miller, grandparents William and Millie Aldrich of Minnesota, Florence Walden and Ray Engelbretson of Rockford, sister-in-law Staci Aldrich, uncle William Aldrich of Minnesota, aunt Janice Engelbretson of Durand, aunt Diane Miller of Harrison, nephew Timothy Poulisse, and step father, David “Ted” Miller.

Pastor Tim Ramsden of Community Bible Church will be officiating the celebration of Joshua’s life on April 9, 2017 with a visitation from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm at Sunset Funeral Home, 8800 N. Alpine Road, Machesney Park, IL followed by a memorial service. Donations may be made to the family for a memorial to be established.