Joshua Fabian Allotey, Sr.

Joshua started his primary school education at Adabraka Methodist Primary School from 1952 to 1958 and continued to Accra Rowe Road Boys Middle School from 1958 to 1962. He then entered New Era Secondary School in Accra to begin his secondary education and transferred to Seventh-Day Adventist Secondary School at Bekwai in the Ashanti Region of Ghana in 1963, where he completed his education in 1968.

Upon completing his secondary education, he assisted his father in his private business. Joshua then taught as a pupil teacher at the Hansen Road Seventh-Day Adventist School in Ayalolo, near the Timber Market.

He later gained admission to Accra Academy from 1968 to 1970 for his sixth form (pre-university) education. Upon completion, Joshua took employment with the Standard Chartered Bank's Head Office in Accra from 1970 to 1975.

In December 1975, he left for the United States of America to pursue studies in Finance and Business Administration at Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois. He not only excelled academically but also made his mark as President of the International Students Association, where he founded the African Student Association to create a community for fellow students far from home.

Upon graduating in 1980, Joshua soon married and began his most cherished role as a father when he started a family and raised two sons, Joshua Jr. and Nathan. He invested deeply in their futures, both by teaching the value of hard work and by being actively present in their lives.

After accepting a new job and relocating from Charleston to Springfield, IL, Joshua built a distinguished career as an accountant and financial analyst in public aid and later the Illinois Department of Insurance, where he worked faithfully for over two decades (1989 – 2013) where he was known for his work ethic, determination, and leadership.

Beyond his professional life, Joshua was affectionately known as the “unofficial mayor of Springfield.” His home was always open to newcomers, especially those arriving from Ghana and across Africa, who sought a sense of family and belonging. Whether at a community gathering, a church service, or being a friend that is closer than a brother, Joshua’s smile could light up any room, his laughter was contagious, and his presence ensured that no one left as a stranger.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Joshua loved playing tennis with friends and coached his sons in youth soccer, and went on to dedicate nearly a decade to coaching soccer and mentoring numerous children in Springfield.

As a true life of the party, Joshua loved to dance, joke, and bring people together. He was a pivotal member of the Ghana Association of Central Illinois (GACI), where he proudly and joyfully celebrated his heritage and educated others about the beauty of Ghanaian culture. Although he had embraced his new home in America, he made it a priority to regularly return to Ghana, reconnecting with the people and places that had shaped his early life.

Joshua’s faith was essential to who he was. Whenever he interacted with members at church, his warmth and welcoming spirit reflected the heart of Christ. Always willing to lend a helping hand, he embodied kindness, generosity, and a love for people that transcended boundaries.

To know Joshua was to know joy. He was a father who taught the value of hard work, a friend who made you smile, and a leader who built bridges between cultures. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched, the communities he helped build, and the memories he leaves with all who loved him.

He is survived by his children, Joshua Jr. (Jannette) and Nathan, and two beloved grandchildren (Jorja and Layla).

Joshua Allotey Sr. will be deeply missed, but his spirit will forever remain in the stories, laughter, and love he so freely gave.

May his soul rest in peace.

The family will host a Celebration of Life Service at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 13, 2025, at Hope Church, 3000 Lenhart Rd., Springfield, IL 62711.

After the service there will be a reception to follow at 12:30 p.m. at the Nelson Center, 2nd floor, 1601 N. 15th St., Springfield, IL 62702.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield.