Joshua Bradley Sowden, of New Hope, PA passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family, on Sunday, August 29th, 2021, after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He was 57 years old.
Josh was born on April 18, 1964, in Doylestown, PA to parents June Elizabeth Sowden (nee Stephens) and Dallas Bradshaw Sowden. The youngest of 5 siblings, he grew up in New Hope, PA attending New Hope-Solebury District schools as well as Solebury School and Lawrenceville Academy. He studied at UCLA before returning to Philadelphia. He wore many hats in the food industry, and later found a passion for landscaping and gardening, eventually starting his own gardening business focusing on perennials.
A talented musician, Josh played bass in several local bands, including The Spread, Sadie Crozier, The Heavy Pets, Spare Tire, and Birdie Num Num & the Spirit Squad. He shared this love of music with his two best creations, his daughters Juniper and Emilia. He was the DJ for many in-home dance parties, a reader of bedtime stories, and a canvas for face paint and nail polish. His passion for the Phillies and the Eagles was passed along to Junie, with whom he watched the games, often beating the commentators to their remarks. His love of animals, his curls, and his argumentative prowess he gave to Emie. Josh was a wordsmith and enjoyed engaging in friendly debate over a pint of pilsner or on social media. His happy place was the beach, particularly Long Beach Island, where he spent time as a child and as an adult.
Josh was predeceased by his parents and his sister Diana. He is survived by his devoted partner, Jessica Williams whom he finally hooked by asking her to go fishing with him, and their two daughters, Juniper Margaret, and Emilia Grace. He is also survived by his brother Dallas (Jane) of Chalfont, brother Rick of Claymont DE, sister Betsy Allen (Bill) of Lambertville NJ, and uncle Phillip (Maryanne) of Claymont DE. His nieces Amy, Ashley, Amanda, Andrea, and Alex, nephew James and his great-nieces & nephews brought him happiness and pride.
Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Service on Saturday, September 4th at 2pm at Trinity Episcopal Church, Solebury, 6587 Upper York Road, Solebury, PA 18963. Internment is private. The service will be streamed as well as recorded for those unable to attend. Masks will be required.
In lieu of flowers, an education fund has been established for Juniper and Emilia and donations may be made to The Sowden Educational Fund c/o Wells Fargo Advisors, 6700 Main Street, 1 Beresford Court, Williamsville NY 14221. Contributions in Josh’s memory may also be made to Cancer Support Community Greater Philadelphia (CSCGP) 200 Kirk Rd Warminster PA 18974, www.cancersupportphiladelphia.org
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