Joshua Baez, age 23, of South Elgin, IL, passed away on February 5, 2022. He was born December 14, 1998 in Orlando, FL to his loving parents, Erie “Eric” Burgos and Marcy Baez Lopez.

Josh graduated from Perryville High School, Class of 2017, in Maryland. He attended Elgin Community College from 2018-2019, and was planning on going back this summer.

Josh worked as a car wash attendant at Everclean in Hanover Park and at Rainstorm in East Dundee. Between shifts, he made deliveries for DoorDash. He was also a web designer, graphic designer, and multi-media producer, and did video production and 3D design. On occasion, he would also do some music production, making beats. He was a very hard worker, always going above and beyond what was asked of him, and very determined and enduring.

Josh was very energetic, passionate, caring, respectful, light-hearted, creative, and playful. He had a gentle, friendly, welcoming, social, and loving heart. He was family oriented, and deeply loved his baby brother, mom, and all of his family and friends. He also extended this love to strangers and enemies alike. He was humble and forgiving, selfless and accepting of others.

Josh enjoyed playing on his Xbox, and connecting with the online community. He was a clan founder and event organizer, and spent many hours creating maps. His number one game of choice was Halo. He was also an artist and writer, and an excellent story teller. He loved watching anime, listening to music, and dancing.

Most recently, Josh was becoming a car enthusiast. Some of his fondest memories were of getting his license and his first car, and getting his new job at Everclean. And one of his best memories was when he and his family moved from Maryland to Illinois, and he made his first friend in Illinois, Anoop.

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.” John 15:12 (NLT)

Josh was deeply spiritual. He was an active member of The Well in Geneva, IL, and his mission in life was loving and serving Christ, and walking with integrity with God.

Josh was preceded in death by his beloved family cat, Junebug; and unborn sibling, Daniel Lopez. He is survived by his parents, Eric (Virginia) Burgos of Florida and Marcy (Vince) Bachelor of Illinois; siblings, Angel and Blessing Ayala of Maryland, Gabriel Lopez of Illinois, and Bradley Bachelor of Illinois; grandparents, Miguel (Geraldine) Baez of New Jersey, Annette Lopez of Florida, Maria Ralat of Puerto Rico, and Heriberto Burgos of New Jersey; aunts and uncles, Miguel “Micky” (Vanessa) Baez of New Jersey, Nicholas Baez of Massachusetts, Ernie Baez of Florida, Jeremiah Perez of New Jersey, Jesus Baez of Italy; Destiny Torres of Florida, Sadie Baez of New Jersey, and Allen Vargas of New York; and cousins, Aliza Baez, Johnathan Baez, Elisa Baez, and Matthew Baez.

Visitation will be 5:00pm to 9:00pm, Friday, February 18, 2022 at Symonds-Madison Funeral Home, 305 Park Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

Mourners are encouraged to review the funeral home COVID-19 public health policies ahead of time.

To access the visitation remotely, loved ones are encouraged to log on safe from home via Zoom.us (Meeting ID: 876 0571 8902, Password: 340598).

Funeral service will be 10:30am, Saturday, February 19, 2022 at The Well, 33W835 Cherry Lane (near Cougar Stadium), Geneva, IL 60134.

Interment to follow at Bluff City Cemetery, 945 Bluff City Boulevard, Elgin, IL 60120.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128 or visit www.symondsmadison.com.