Josh graduated from Palmer High School in 1990. While in high school, Josh discovered his love of theater. He starred in many productions, including the title role in Macbeth, which earned him a full theater scholarship to the University of Alaska. In 1993, Josh's daughter Emma Tanner was born in Palmer, Alaska. Josh went on to study evolution and ecology and received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Davis before attending Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts. Upon graduating from Ross University, Josh performed a residency at Oklahoma State in Stillwater, OK, and finally relocated to Central New York, where he practiced veterinary medicine until his passing.
Josh met his wife, Sarah while studying at the University of California. They married, and their daughter Kaitlyn was born in Syracuse, New York, in 2009. Josh's oldest daughter, Emma
Tanner, still resides in Alaska. Josh loved his family fiercely and devoted his life to providing for his family.
Anyone who knew Josh knew of his deeply held passion for animals, his boisterous and often silly sense of humor. Josh had an artistic bent and could draw, paint, and sculpt beautifully. He worked hard at everything to make his way and create a happy life for his family in New York. He could be found at his daughter's youth hockey games across most of the eastern seaboard during the season, rooting on his daughter and her teammates. Josh was fond of all things Tiki; at one point, he had set up an entire Tiki Village in his yard, complete with torches and Bob Marley playing in the background.
He loved hosting and bartending, and on summer evenings, Josh could be found wearing a grass skirt and doing the limbo or singing karaoke with the slightest provocation. An inveterate tinkerer, Josh was fond of repurposing transfer station valuables and creating artistic works. Josh's love of Christmas was beyond compare. Every inch of his house was decorated with handmade wreaths, garlands, and festive lights during the holidays. Those who met Josh through his work would always speak of his kind, caring way with pets and their owners and his generous nature. He will be missed.
Josh is survived by his loving wife Sarah, daughters Kaitlyn and Emma Jane Tanner, his parents Rick and Karen Moell, and brother Seth Moell.
A celebration of life get-together will be held for family and friends at the Sherwood Inn in Skaneateles from 2 to 5 PM on Monday, November 20, 2023.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an account set up for Kaitlyn's future college fund at Community Bank in Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit: robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.