Donald "Josh" Saia

Donald "Josh" Saia, age 70, beloved husband, son, sibling and uncle, passed away on Tuesday, January 28, 2020. He entered this world on May 11,1949, in Atlantic City, NJ, born to Albert and Nancy Saia. He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Rose-Saia; fur baby, Rolex; mother, Nancy Saia; sisters, Sandy Rivell and Vickie Tomasco and husband, Anthony (Tomato); brother, Joe Saia; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews as well as many friends.

Josh was raised in southern New Jersey amidst the blueberry farms and peach orchards. He took his first trip out west when he graduated from high school. His sister drove him and a buddy to the shore and the two guys hitch-hiked coast to coast. He and his friends Steve "Futty" and Cecil "Slick" moved out here in 1978. Josh was on his way to California to be a custom painter for Arlen Ness. Futty ended up moving to Ruidoso, Slick went back to New Jersey for a while only to return later and Josh stayed in Albuquerque. They were later joined by their friend, Willie. Josh loved the weather and the mountains. He had a nickname for everyone.

Josh lived life to the fullest. He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and last went to Sturgis in 2019. He enjoyed working on and restoring old cars and motorcycles. He was a custom painter/airbrush artist and won many awards for his work.

He and Stephanie used to spend their weekends at the lake where Josh was known as the "Water Pig" because he would ski, knee board and wake board so long that no one else would get a turn. He enjoyed golfing even though the game frustrated him so. He also liked going to the drag races in Phoenix and Las Vegas.

Josh and Stephanie loved to travel and went on several cruises including to the Caribbean, Hawaii, Alaska and Mexico. They also did many road trips on the Harley all over the country including Highway 1 all the way down the coast, Laconia, NH; Sturgis, SD; Glacier National Park; Yellowstone; The Grand Canyon and fall color rides to Colorado. Josh made occasional trips back east to visit family and loved going to the Phillies baseball games. After retirement, Josh would also hit the open road with his friend Larry "Lurch" and they went on many trips together.

Josh worked as an auto estimator, supervisor and quality assurance as an independent adjuster as well as for Allstate. He made many friends along the way even though everyone soon learned how "fussy" he was about the vehicles being perfect!

Josh was the neighborhood watch captain and kept everyone safe. He spent every day with his little buddy, Rolex. They were Itch and Scratch. Josh was a barber, a great cook and a tailor. He could fix anything (except a broken light bulb). He had a large personality that touched many people. He will be missed!

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, February 7, 2020, 10:00 a.m. at FRENCH - Westside.