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Thomas Justin ‘Josh’ Tobin dies at 61 

Childhood photo of Thomas Justin “Josh” Tobin

Thomas Justin “Josh” Tobin died peacefully in his sleep October 24, 2011. He was 61 years old.

Josh was born March 22, 1950 in Dunkirk, New York, to Marguarite Rebecca (Wilson) and Thomas Stroh Tobin.

He grew up with three siblings: Charles “Chuck” Albert Tobin, Jay Mercer Tobin and Marguerite “Midge” Louise Tobin. A baby brother Peter Tobin died at 8 months old.

The young Tobin family lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, then Scottsdale, Arizona, before coming to California.

The Thomas Stroh Tobin family: Thomas, Chuck, Midge, Marguarite, and Josh.

The Thomas Stroh Tobin family: Thomas, Chuck, Midge, Marguarite, and Josh.

In 1961, the Tobin family settled in Riverside, Calif., where Josh graduated high school and attended college.

Josh married Lois Hurt on Aug. 3, 1975 in Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, Penn. They had a daughter, Beth Naomi (Tobin) Brennan in Pittsburgh, Penn.

Josh Tobin with his first wife Lois Hurt and daughter Beth.

Josh Tobin with his first wife Lois Hurt and daughter Beth in 1975.

Around 1987 Josh and Beth moved to Riverside County, Calif., where he married Holly Hall. Josh and Holly had a daughter, Vanessa Anne (Tobin) Wright.

Josh travelled around and worked through life at various jobs. He was a security guard, held customer service jobs, and was a house-husband. His favorite job was working in bookstores.

“He was always trying to be an entrepreneur, creating products, usually things to do with metaphysics, and trying to market them,” wrote his sister, Midge, to his daughter Beth.

“I want to also tell you about two comments people have made about your dad. Bruce Langsford, who was in a play with your dad, called him ‘The most talented man I’ve ever met.’ Rob Bateman, who went to school with him, called him ‘A BMOC (Big Man on Campus) that I really admired.”

He died of medical complications while receiving treatment for a brain tumor at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, Calif. He spent his final days receiving family visitors. He died in hospice care.

On October 24, at about 2:45 p.m. he succumbed to his illness. His remains were cremated and his ashes are cared for by his daughter Beth.

Josh is survived by his daughter Beth Naomi (Tobin) Brennan and her husband Scott Brennan of Paso Robles, Calif.; daughter Vanessa Anne (Tobin) Wright and her husband Nathan Wright; grandchildren Christine Anne Brennan, William Tobin Brennan; brother Charles “Chuck” Albert Tobin and his wife Delores; brother Jay Mercer Tobin and his wife Nancy; and Marguerite “Midge” Louise Tobin.

He was preceded in death by his parents Marguarite Rebecca (Wilson) and Thomas Stroh Tobin.

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About the author: Publisher Scott Brennan

Scott Brennan is the publisher of this newspaper and founder of Access Publishing. Follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, or follow his blog.