Joshua Libby

Joshua David Libby, 45 of Newton, MA, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 28th at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, in his beloved Boston, Massachusetts. He departed in the loving embrace of his parents, his brother and sister, to be reunited with his best friend Thai.

Josh was born on March 26th, 1976 in Damariscotta, Maine to proud parents Deborah (Merrill) and David A. Libby. At three years old, a bout with spinal meningitis left Josh profoundly deaf, but this by no means slowed him down or defined who he was. To know Josh was to know a man of boundless love, unlimited passion, and insatiable curiosity. 

He was a lifelong learner, attending Nobleboro Central School, and graduating from Lincoln Academy  in 1994. He attended Colby Sawyer College in New London NH and the University of Maine at Orono. He moved to Boston and earned a BA in history from Suffolk University in 1999. After graduating, he worked at Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the Alumni Association Records Department.  He then earned paralegal certification at Boston University.

He was a dedicated title examiner and found great passion, and took pride in the work he did during his many years at Gilmartin Magence LLP in Newton, MA. His devotion and attention to detail made him an invaluable member of the team.

Josh loved to play tennis, squash and golf, and spent many chilly mornings biking and swimming in nearby Crystal Lake. He loved the Red Sox and Celtics, and held the city of Boston deeply in his heart.  Above all else, he loved his family and his children, Harper Maxine and Elijah, most of all. There was never a single moment when they were not in his thoughts and in his heart.

Josh was a tireless advocate for the deaf community and loved the time each summer spent at Cued Speech Camp Mechuwana in Winthrop, Maine. He was a mentor and friend to those learning to make their way in a silent world. He was past president of the National Cued Speech Association in Washington, DC and served on the board of directors. He was recently elected the new Director of Cue Camps and Affiliates by the NSCA Board of Directors.

Friends and acquaintances all have noted that Josh had a resounding and infectious laugh. His smile could brighten the worst day. He saw the world uniquely through his piercing bright blue eyes and wasn’t shy about sharing his views. And he was selfless. To say that he would give you the shirt off his back is an understatement. He was kind and gentle. The world is a better place for having him in it. Though he may no longer be with us, he lives on in our hearts and in countless little everyday things that will bring him to mind.

Josh was predeceased by his beloved grandparents, Madge (Eleanor Brown) and Fritz (Fernand) Libby; and Maxine (Libby) and Lloyd W. Merrill.

He is survived by his dear children, Harper Maxine Libby and Elijah Robert Libby of Nobleboro, Maine; his parents, Deborah (Merrill) and David A. Libby of Nobleboro, Maine; he also leaves his siblings and their families, best friend and brother Michael C. Libby and sister -in-law Eli and nieces Julia and Sophia of Woburn, MA; beloved sister, Sarah Esner and best brother-in-law Eric and nieces Norah and Willa Beatrix of Woburn, MA; aunts and uncles, David S. and Holly Merrill of Portland, Maine; Jane (Merrill) and Greg Scott of Augusta, Maine, Dr. Peter and Connie Libby of Salisbury, Maryland, and Carole and Rob Broadfoot of Patagonia, Arizona; as well as many cousins

His family wishes to thank the medical team who cared for Josh in the ICU at Beth Israel Deaconess for their expert and compassionate care. Thanks too to Elizabeth Gavett, Polly Earl and the Cued Speech community who set up a support system in the hospital.

A memorial servic will be held at 2:00pm, on Friday, August 20th at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Newcastle.  Those who are unvaccinated must wear masks inside St. Andrew's Church, and per current CDC guidelines, masks are recommended for everyone attending settings indoors.  A reception will follow the service at the Lakehurst Lodge in Damariscotta.  

Memorial donations can be made in Josh’s name to: National Cued Speech Association, 3603 Quentin Road, Brooklyn, NY 11234 to support Cue Camps and/or the Deaf Children’s Literacy Project.

Arrangements are under the direction and care of the Strong-Hancock Funeral Home, 612 Main Street, Damariscotta, ME 04543.  Condolences, and messages for his family, may be expressed by visiting: www.StrongHancock.com.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joshua Libby, please visit our floral store.