Obituary of Joshua Yellen

Joshua Barrett Yellen, EdD, LAT, ATC April 18, 1974 – January 23, 2023 Joshua “Josh” Yellen was a devoted husband, father, son, son-in-law, brother, uncle, cousin, teacher, mentor, colleague, and friend. He left the world too soon on Monday, January 23, 2023 as a result of complications from brain cancer at age 48. Josh and his beloved wife, Jessica, had just celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary in the loving presence of their children, Mathew and Rebekah. Josh was born in Los Angeles, California to Andrew and Heidi Yellen on April 18, 1974. He grew up in Granada Hills, attended Kennedy High School, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology from California State University, Northridge in 1999. He earned his Master of Arts degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Long Beach in 2004. Josh continued his service to the profession as Program Director and Clinical Coordinator of the CAATE Accredited Athletic Training program at Southeastern Louisiana University. He completed his doctoral studies in Educational Leadership in 2012 and became the founding Director of the CAATE Accredited Master of Athletic Training Program and Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Houston. It was also one of his greatest joys to support the Astronaut Strength, Conditioning, and Rehabilitation (ASCR) group at NASA for over a decade. Josh was a fiercely dedicated leader and contributor within the field of Athletic Training and higher education. He felt blessed to be able to work with and beside the very best in education and health care. Josh was the embodiment of the Yiddish word, mensch, someone of the highest integrity and honor. His extraordinary ability to engage, inspire, and connect through his quick wit, intellect, and genuine care for others were some of his most memorable qualities. Josh was unwavering in his loyalty and devotion to his family and friends. He leaves behind a lifetime of treasured memories with all those who had the benefit of knowing him. Josh is survived by his wife, Jessica; two children, Mathew and Rebekah; father, Andrew; and sister, Erit. He is preceded in death by his mother, Heidi. Josh leaves behind a large family who loved him deeply including his aunts, uncle, cousins, in-laws, niece and nephews, and childhood friends who became brothers. Funeral services will be held on Sunday, February 5 at 1:00 p.m. at Pacific View Cemetery in Corona del Mar, California. A Memorial service to honor Josh’s life will be held in the Houston area – details to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to any of the following: • Go Fund Me in honor of Josh: https://gofund.me/7e34cad8 • MD Anderson Cancer Center Neuro-Oncology research: gifts.mdanderson.org • University of Houston Master of Athletic Training program