Joshua Adam Abt-Barnett

Joshua Adam Abt-Barnett, 38, affectionately known as Squeaky or Leprechaun, of Richmond left this world on Wednesday, August 30, 2023. Joshua was a free spirit, an uncontainable force of joy, and a beacon of selflessness who brought light and laughter into the lives of all who knew him.

Joshua was a true seeker, a poet-philosopher who traversed the corridors of the human experience with boundless curiosity. He didn't just live life; he lived it with purpose and an insatiable thirst for understanding. He found beauty in the complexities of existence and was known to weave profound thoughts into the tapestry of his poetry.

A tinkerer and a mechanic of the mind, Joshua had a knack for unraveling the mysteries of the world, both tangible and intangible. He had a unique gift for taking things apart, only to gracefully put them back together with newfound wisdom and insight. This trait was not confined to mechanical objects; it extended to his relationships as well. He had the extraordinary ability to disassemble the complexities of human connection and rebuild them with empathy and love, creating bonds that were unbreakable.

In the expansive gallery of his life, Joshua was a canvas filled with vivid hues of friendship. He was the hub of a vibrant social network, a man whose magnetic charisma knew no bounds. He held friends from every corner of the country, each of whom was touched by his selfless generosity and his unwavering loyalty. To know Joshua was to have a friend, an ally, and a confidant for life.

Family was at the core of Joshua's being, and his love for them radiated with a warmth that was as comforting as it was contagious. He was the best uncle one could ever hope for, showering his nieces and nephews with stories, laughter, and wisdom.

Joshua held an intense dislike for chickens, yet his heart overflowed with love for his faithful canine companion, Webster, who remained his loyal confidant and source of boundless affection throughout their shared adventures.

And then there was his Rueben sandwiches, a masterpiece of culinary artistry that Joshua crafted with love. His Rueben sandwiches were legendary.

In the tapestry of existence, Joshua Adam Abt-Barnett's thread was vibrant and colorful, leaving an indelible mark on all of us. Though he has embarked on his final journey, his spirit, his poetry, and the echoes of his laughter will continue to resonate in our hearts and minds.

Joshua was preceded in death by his brother, David Abt-Barnett; grandmother, Barbara Abt; grandfather, Norman Abt; Uncle, Kenneth Abt; and aunt, Beverly Long. He leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Barbara Katherine Abt-Barnett; father, John Earl Barnett; brother, Christopher Earl Graham Abt-Barnett; sister, Samantha Renee Abt-Sager; two beloved nieces, Midnight Abt-Barnett and Nymue; two cherished nephews, David Abt-Barnett and Christopher Abt-Barnett, Jr.; other extended family members and many beloved friends.

A celebration of life in memory of Joshua will be held at a later date. Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Colonial Heights Chapel of E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes and Crematory, 2033 Boulevard. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Joshua’s memory to the Poetry Society of America, www.poetrysociety.org/support/donate. Online condolences may be registered at www.ealvinsmall.com.