Robert William Joshua

BOARDMAN — Robert William Joshua, 62, died Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital.

He was born March 9, 1964, in Youngstown, the only child of his loving parents.

His father tragically died at the age of 26 in 1971 while defending a friend at a local West Side establishment. Following this devastating loss, young Robert and his mother courageously moved into their somewhat unfinished family dream home in North Jackson, next door to his adored grandmother, Irene. In the 1970s, Robert and Irene began exploring their shared interest in antiques, a passion that continued for the next 30 years.

Bob graduated with honors from Jackson-Milton High School in 1982 while attending Youngstown State University on a full scholarship. Throughout his school years, Robert was actively involved in scholastic, civic, athletic, and community affairs. While working at Strouss’, Hornes, and the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, he earned his B.A. in political science and history from YSU in 1986 and went on to pursue his master’s degree. He also studied real estate to become a knowledgeable and informed investor.

Robert worked in local politics and charitable campaigns before accepting his first professional position as development director of the United Methodist Community Center, also known as the Pestal Street Mission, on the East Side. Under the direction of Millicent Counts, he raised more than a million dollars for the organization’s capital campaign. He was subsequently selected from more than 200 applicants nationwide to become the first executive director of the Lawrence County Historical Society in New Castle, Pennsylvania. In this role, he was responsible for the museum, its membership, exhibits, and programs. Simultaneously, he served on numerous boards, including the National Society of Fundraising Executives, an organization with which he was particularly proud to be affiliated.

Driven by his love of history, preservation and architecture, Robert spent many years restoring homes from the Square Period and Depression era, including the infamous former DiCarlo–Reto mansion at 1950 Volney Road. He hosted countless affairs and functions there, and it was in this setting that Joshua & Associates, an independent public relations and management firm, was established. For a brief time, he served as development director of the Butler Institute of American Art before opening the first of several regional locations of The Joshua Tree in Boardman, Canfield and Poland. The stores offered fine antique furniture, home furnishings, gifts and accessories.

Throughout his life, Robert remained a devoted Catholic, serving at numerous parishes. He especially cherished his close affiliation with St. Dominic Church, where he served as parish organist and decorator.

Robert founded the Mahoning Valley Preservationists Club and served as its president for many years, championing the creative repurposing of historic local structures in danger of being lost. Recognized throughout the region as an authority on American antiques, he taught adult continuing-education classes and presented his popular seminars, Discovering Hidden Treasures, to thousands of delighted guests. He also loved boating at Lake Milton and on the Mahoning River, where he especially enjoyed water skiing.

The Salem store became the flagship Joshua Tree location, bringing new life and commerce to downtown. Robert also advised Mimi’s, seeing the potential around the corner and recognizing opportunities before others did. Jobs were created, and family, friends and customers were welcomed and treated with care. When business was busy, Robert could often be found bussing tables himself, enjoying every moment.

In 1999, Robert said farewell to his friends and colleagues, sold his many holdings and moved to his modest vacation home in Fort Lauderdale in search of warmer weather and a fresh start. Within six months, his business interests and community involvement had once again blossomed. Two magical and hugely popular Joshua Tree stores opened in Pompano and Wilton Manors, becoming coveted and trendy destinations for exquisite home decor imported from around the world. Robert employed an amazing international staff at both locations.

He generously shared his time and talents throughout southwest Florida, particularly with the Pride Center at Equality Park, where he served as a dedicated Founders Circle member. He also provided liturgical music and decor at Blessed Sacrament, helping restore the church’s steeple. Anyone who came to town could count on Robert for a cruise and a memorable experience.

Never forgetting his family, Robert traveled frequently to Youngstown to visit Irene and his other proud grandmother, Alice Joshua. During these visits, he recognized the potential for yet another Joshua Tree location and boldly undertook the restoration of the current Market Street property in 2006, traveling back and forth every month. This arrangement allowed him to visit his grandmothers frequently. In between his business ventures, he guest-hosted for Royal Caribbean cruises sailing out of Port Everglades and participated in Fort Lauderdale’s Tea at Sea for many years.

After 25 years of tremendous success and a few challenges along the way, Robert returned to Youngstown in 2013 to enjoy a simpler, quieter life with his partner, Kavoris Bivins. Even then, he remained on the lookout for another mansion to restore and enjoy. His first priority was restoring the homes of his mother, Norma, and his grandmother, Irene.

Robert excelled at entertaining and loved to cook. He was an aficionado of pineapple upside-down cake and was the undisputed cheesecake king. His holiday punch remains a fond memory for all who enjoyed it. Saturday nights were reserved for dancing on some of America’s best dance floors. Extravagant holiday decorations adorned every residence, and no one was ever unwelcome in his home. He even decorated his boats in Florida and his classic cars in Ohio.

Robert lived life to the fullest, traveling extensively throughout New York, Los Angeles, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, Greece, Italy, Mexico, China, Hong Kong, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, Brazil and numerous islands. His enthusiasm for life, eye for beauty, generous spirit and love of people made every experience an opportunity for connection and celebration.

Robert was fortunate to have been loved and cheered on by many wonderful and significant friends, including Donna, Sharon, Lashell, Dutch, Leeandre, Andy, Kenny, Asun, George, Sam, Catherine, Sandra, Rick, Oracle, Roberto, Harvey, Terry, Antonio, his adopted son Whitley, Issac, Amy and Karen.

Professionally, Robert extends his gratitude for the extraordinary contributions and commitment of Yolanda, Kenny, Bobby, Pam C., Don, Pam Y., Bill, Lisa, Teresa, Lisa, Thomas, Dana, Amy, Richard, Vincent, John, Bobs, Roberto, John Anthony, Rob, Evandro and a colorful cast of characters who helped make his many ventures memorable and successful.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Norma Gentile Joshua Schlosser of Boardman; his cousin, John (Jessica) Sorvillo of McDonald; his nephews, Sully and Sawyer Sorvillo of McDonald; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves behind his beloved rescued pets, Chuey, Papi, Mitzy and Sunny.

Preceding him in death were his grandmothers, Irene and Alice; and his aunt, Cathy Sorvillo. He will once again be reunited with his faithful furry roommates, Jessie, Mugsy, Reggie, Rio, Vanna, Coco, Tyra, Buddy, Stormy, Cloudy, Icee and Breezy. Each enjoyed a life of luxury, never missing a night on the comforter.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Robert’s life from 1 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at Higgins–Reardon Funeral Homes, Austintown Chapel, 4303 Mahoning Ave., with a service to immediately follow.