Joshua Adrian Vargas - Ortega

Joshua Adrian Vargas-Ortega passed on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 39 years young. He is survived by his sons Jeremiah Alexander Vargas-Ortega and Joshua Donovan Vargas-Ortega; his sisters Gloria Ortega, Laura Ortega, Vera Castillo, Melinda Ortega, Rosemarie Ortega, Stephanie Marie Nicole Ortega, Samantha Renee Maria Ramos; brothers Michael Johnathan Ortega and Ezekiel Daniel Ramos. His Tia Monica Diana Tobar and numerous nephews and nieces who will miss him.

Joshua was a truly unique, good-hearted individual. If you knew him, you know he as a trye jokester who oved nothing more than bringing laughter into a room - even if that laughter came from playfully annoying some of us! (if you know, you know)

He was always listening to music, singing at the tip of his lungs in the shower, and cracking jokes just to get a reaction from people (if you know, you know). At the same time, we all remember how much he mumbled. I think we all felt a little bit deaf around him sometimes, constantly having to tell him, "Joshua, speak up!"

But most of all, Joshua's true "pride and joy" were his sons, Jeremiah - or Jerry, as we call him- and Donovan. Due to certain circumstances, he was not always bale to be there for them, but as soon as he was allowed to be a part of their lives again, he was right there. Though things were not always perfect, he loved them and cared for them deeply. I know he was not ready to go, and he would never have wanted to leave his sons this soon.

Beyond the jokes, Joshua had a deep, beautiful soul. He was a born-again Christian who loved to talk about God and spread the gospel. Even if you did not want to hear it.

He also carried a heavy burden. Joshua fought a brave, difficult battle with the cycle of addiction - a struggle that often left him feeling lost and hopeless.

Yet, the most incredible thing about Joshua was his heart. Despite everything he was personally going through, he always kept moving forward and never stopped giving back.

He spent his time volunteering at the local food pantry, dedicated to helping his community. In fact, even on the very day of his passing, Joshua was out there helping others. That is the legacy he leaves behind: a man who, even in his darkest moments, chose o bring light to the people around him.

As we say goodbye, we take comfort in knowing that Joshua is no longer in pain, that he has been reunited with those who preceded him in death; Jessica Andrea Frank-Ruiz (mother), Vera Ortega (grandma), Bertoldo Ortega (father), Frankie Ramos (step-father), Frank Noel Jose (Nuno) Ramos Jr. (brother), Dolores Fabien-Rodriguez (grandma), other cousins and aunts.

May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may his memory forever bring a smile to our faces even though we know he was not perfect.