Joshua Scott Fickett

Joshua Scott Fickett, 36, of West Brookfield, died unexpectedly on Saturday, December 11, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital after being suddenly stricken.



He leaves his wife, Meaghan (Halsdorff) Fickett and son, Hunter; his mother Teresa Grubbs and her husband, Mark, with whom he was especially close; his step-brothers, Mark Grubbs, Jr. and his wife Randi and daughter Lizzie, Scott Grubbs and his wife Alycia and their daughter Cathy-Jo; his grandmother Clarice Neal; and his niece Clover Palacios. He is also survived by several beloved in-laws, as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.



Josh was born in Portland, ME, and grew up in Oxford, MA. He graduated from Oxford High School, where he participated in Soccer, Rock Climbing Club, and Track. He then went on to earn his Master's Degree in Economics from Worcester State University. In more recent years, Josh proudly continued his post-graduate education by earning a number of professional certifications.



Joshua held the position of Life Systems Officer with Amica Insurance in Rhode Island. Although Josh was always dedicated to his work, nothing was ever more important to him than his family. Josh had a love for his family that gave us all a wonderful feeling of comfort and security. He could always be counted on, at the drop of a hat, to provide help when needed, and he expected nothing in return. When not working and caring for his family, he loved to go fresh-water fishing on his boat, especially with his first mate, Thibault. Over the years, Josh became a skilled fisherman. He never had just "fish stories" - we all got texts with pictures as proof of his angling skills.



But Josh's skills did not end there, as he was an ever-evolving handyman and problem-solver. New unfamiliar household problem? Challenge accepted! Rather than walk away from projects or pass them off to "professionals," Josh saw them as opportunities to learn and grow, sometimes with the loving guidance of Pops. He was also adept at computer software. In addition to it being the foundation of his career, Josh enjoyed gaming with friends in his youth, and he loved teaching his family how to navigate programs at home.



Josh was known for his fun-loving personality. He spent much of his free time playing in adult volleyball leagues, laughing for hours at weekly game nights with family, and appreciating the great outdoors through camping with his friends and colleagues. During other outings and vacations, he strived to ensure that the children in his life had the most fun possible. Another of Josh's favorite pastimes was road-tripping to Maine for visits with Grams. And at the end of the day, he always looked forward to quiet movie nights on the couch with a large tub of popcorn.



We have never known a more selfless, caring, outgoing, respectful, cheerful, man who lived every moment to its fullest. Josh brought joy to all of our lives every day he was with us. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him and loved him. He passed away like he lived: helping family. He will also be special to people who never knew him, because he was an organ donor. His life will go on through them, as well as through all of us that he touched.



A Funeral Service for Joshua will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at 5:30pm in Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main Street, in West Brookfield. Calling hours will be held in the funeral home from 3:30 to 5:30pm prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Brookfield Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to any veterans' organization.



An online guest book is available at varnumfuneralhome.com.