Tribute to Joshua Carel

https://www.starksonfamily.com/obituaries/joshua-carel

Josh Carel was many things—husband, father, son, and friend.

When Josh found boccia, he dove in full force, teaching himself through YouTube videos, and using a homemade ramp, gave everyone a run for their money in his debut tournament.

He loved a good challenge and in true Josh fashion, he and his buddies engineered his own competitive ramp by tearing apart two others and combining them into a single masterpiece, “The Franken-ramp.” With it, he rose quickly through the ranks, earning a Silver medal at the USA Boccia Nationals in 2025. His ingenuity knew no limits, and his determination inspired everyone around him.

Josh will be deeply and profoundly missed—on the court, and by all who were fortunate enough to share moments, memories, and smiles with him. His legacy lives on in every person he inspired and every game played. You betcha boccia, forever!

-Julia Dykes and Austin Hanson

My memory is from the Regional Boccia Tournament in Kansas City in May of 2025 and I’ve sent a photo that shows Josh playing Boccia against my friend, Austin Hanson. Josh is shown with his sports assistant, his wife, Jenny! The attentiveness she showed while assisting him during ramp play was absolutely amazing!
They were a great team and both were responsible for Josh’s success in playing Boccia!
I am filled with sadness at his passing and pray for Jenny and their children as they learn to navigate life without him. Rest in peace, Josh! #bocciafamilyforever
-Mary Dunbar, USA Boccia volunteer

We knew right away that Josh and family were good people when we saw their “You Betcha Boccia” gear. It was great talking Boccia and all things Minnesota with him. They are truly “Minnesota Nice”. Josh asked great questions regarding Boccia and also gave encouraging words to others playing Boccia. He played competitively very quickly. We will miss playing Boccia with him, but more so his smile and kindness. Our hearts break for Jen, his children, and all who loved him. Praying for comfort for them all.

-The Blauerts

Such sad news -@Nassau Thunderbolts send condolences to Josh’s Family.

-Mary Hodge

Josh’s enthusiasm for learning about the sport of Boccia was like a tonic for me. I love to see Boccia come alive in new players. Josh came to Kansas and played in the Sunflower games and then came back again for the Blue Valley tournament. His skill was evident from the beginning. The National tournaments became his proving ground with great success, resulting in reaching 3rd on the USA Boccia BC3 Ranking list!. Thank you, Josh and family, for loving Boccia.

-Cathy Drobny

Jenny praying for you and your family at this time! Josh was such a fantastic competitor and a great guy

-Kathy Brinker

RIP Josh Carel, you will be deeply missed my friend! You were an outstanding athlete and warrior on court! Condolences to his family! Prayers

-Dan Castillo

All the way from D……… we are so saddened by this news. Josh was a fierce boccia competitor will be missed surely.

-Angel Luvin

So sad to hear! It was amazing to see his success at Nationals and talk strategy with his family. Prayer you, Jennifer , and sorry for your family’s loss

-Jeremy Finton

An awesome man and great competitor=and an even better person!

-Chris Garr

Life is fragile, but Josh showed great determination to continue to live to the fullest. Praying for his family

-Mark Flora Swick

RIP Josh Carel, you will be missed by the boccia community. My condolences to his family and friends.

-Darius Thompson

Prayers for his friends and family.

-Jenn Mugnaini

This is sad news. Sorry for the family’s loss.

-David Christopher

Sending my condolences, love , prayers, hugs to USA Boccia