Joshua Hopkins-Bugajski

April 19, 1982 - October 05, 2024

Obituary For Joshua Hopkins-Bugajski

Joshua Hopkins-Bugajski, 42, of Raleigh, NC died on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Joshua is survived by his parents, James and Sabrina Hopkins, and his brother, Mark Hopkins, as well as many extended family members. He leaves behind a wide circle of friends who adored him for his kindness and humor.

As a skilled funeral director and trade embalmer, Joshua dedicated his life to serving others in their most vulnerable moments.

He recently opened Mandala Skin Rejuvenation where he provided services to clients who adored him. He loved his team there and his clients became addicted to his laughter.

Joshua was a gifted artist, seeing the beauty of the world through his paintbrush and sketches. He has left behind gifts that will never be forgotten.

Joshua never shied away from sharing his mental health journey. He publicly invited us to into the vulnerability of the struggles and set backs, as well as the moments of celebration and progress. It was the fullness of life he exuded, in all its beauty and pain, that drew so many of us to him. Joshua had a heart of compassion, a capacity for deep empathy, an illuminating smile, eyes that not only saw you but saw the depth of who you were. And then there was his laugh, the most infectious, boisterous laugh that could flood a room and a soul with joy.

It is in the spirit of his transparency that we honor and remember our beautiful friend, Joshua, in life and in death.

Joshua truly embraced green and eco-friendly option with his career and lended his talents as the manager at Endswell Funeral Home. He ultimately chose aquamation and his wishes are being honored.

Please consider making a donation to The Trevor Project in lieu of sending flowers.

Services

18 Oct

Celebration of Life

06:00 PM

Renaissance Funeral Home 7615 Six Forks Road Raleigh, NC 27615 Get Directions »

by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

October 18, 2024

AntoinettevPosillico

Joshua was a beautiful person with kind loving heart he will be missed ! Ciao for now! Until we meet agin.
October 18, 2024

AntoinettevPosillico
October 18, 2024

Suzanne Lundin
October 14, 2024

Cassandra "Casey" Champion

Joshua was a a lovely person to work with. We will miss him deeply at Gentry-Newell & Vaughan. Ed, Myself, and Joann share our love and we honor his life. Casey Champion
October 13, 2024

Sherman

He was in charge of my mother's funeral arrangement. I enjoyed his humor and excellent work in embalming my mother. He made her look her best for presentation. I did not realize how emaciated she was until he prepared her for presentation for the funeral. He was truly talented.
October 12, 2024

Patty Decker

I saw Joshy 3 weeks before he died, and I will never forget the warm hug he gave me... when I really needed one. I only met him in May, but we connected immediately because that is so easy to do with Josh. He told me all about his family, and his trips to San Francisco, and his vacation in Colorado. And he shared a little about his mental health struggles. And he always always asked about my life. I will miss him. But I keep telling myself that he is no longer in pain.... May he rest in eternal peace.
October 12, 2024

Mark Barnes

Rest in peace my dear friend. M.Barnes
October 11, 2024

Jamie Sholar

I miss you joshy. Love you forever.
October 11, 2024

Mark Higgins

Joshua was a devoted employee when I owned Hall-Wynne & Co. He was an exceptional "find" resulting from tracking him down via Facebook. Joshua was abundantly talented in our profession with his artistic gifts, rich humor, deep sensitivity, radiant joy and keen human instincts. Despite his anguish and struggles, surely he knew how very loved and valued he was. All of us who admired Joshua give thanks for his unique life as we commend him into God's merciful and eternal care.
October 11, 2024

Doc Gies

I'll mis you my friend. Doc
October 10, 2024

Casey Tipton
October 10, 2024

Colleen Seltzer

Josh was a source of light and love. His smile was beautiful and his laugh was the best. He was so transparent and full of compassion for others. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Rest well my friend. XO
October 10, 2024

Linda Jo Cook

I extend my sympathies to Josh's family. I had the pleasure of getting to know Josh through work. He was an amazing guy who made me laugh! He will always be remembered as no one could ever forget Josh! He always made me feel special and for that I will be forever grateful!! his wings were ready, but our hearts were not!! LJ
October 10, 2024

Carla

I did not know him but after reading his obit I wish I would have. He seemed to be a beautiful and wonderful person wirh a big smile and a heart even bigger and I will pray for the family.
October 10, 2024

Stephen Mitchell

What a remarkable person! Rest in peace my friend. I will never forget your care and compassion serving families, and the joy you brought me from the day we met.