Josh Alinger Chicago IL MD–PhD Death: With heavy hearts and profound sadness, we announce the passing of Josh Alinger, a beloved son, brother, friend, mentor, and community member. Josh passed away unexpectedly in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and quiet strength that touched everyone who had the honor of knowing him.
Josh was the kind of person who never needed to be the loudest in the room to be heard. His calm presence, steady wisdom, and unwavering compassion were the quiet forces that carried others through life’s uncertainties. He believed in showing up — for his friends, his family, and his community — with patience, loyalty, and sincerity.
Born in 1985, Josh grew up surrounded by love, learning the values of hard work, humility, and empathy early on. Those values became guiding principles that would shape his path through life. Whether it was lending a hand to a neighbor, mentoring a colleague, or simply being there for someone in need, Josh gave of himself fully and without expectation.
To know Josh was to know a rare kind of goodness — the kind that asked for nothing but gave everything. He led by example, often working behind the scenes, never seeking the spotlight. But his absence now casts a long shadow, a testament to how deeply woven he was into the fabric of so many lives.
Josh’s career was one of quiet excellence. Dedicated and dependable, he earned the trust and admiration of his peers and superiors alike. He approached his work not just as a means to an end, but as an opportunity to contribute meaningfully and with integrity. Those who worked with Josh often described him as a rock — solid, grounded, always ready to listen and help. He had a way of turning even the most difficult challenges into manageable steps, making others feel capable in the process.
Outside of work, Josh was a deeply curious and thoughtful individual. He loved nature and often sought solace in the outdoors — hiking, camping, and finding peace in places untouched by noise. He had a love for books, music, and meaningful conversations. A lifelong learner, Josh always made time to explore new ideas, ask big questions, and share what he discovered with others in the most humble of ways.
But above all, it was Josh’s relationships that defined him. He was a devoted son who honored his parents with every thoughtful action. A loyal and protective brother. A steadfast friend whose presence brought comfort and perspective. To his friends and family, Josh wasn’t just someone they loved — he was someone they relied on. And he never let them down.
His acts of kindness were not always grand, but they were consistent, genuine, and impactful. A late-night call when someone needed to talk. A ride when a car broke down. A handwritten note to encourage someone through a hard time. A small gift, given just because. These were the rhythms of Josh’s life — quiet but powerful, unnoticed by many but unforgettable to those on the receiving end.
In recent years, Josh had become increasingly involved in community outreach, giving his time to causes that mattered to him — from food banks to local education initiatives. He believed that real change didn’t require a spotlight, only commitment. He was there, sleeves rolled up, heart wide open, ready to help.
Though Josh’s time with us was far too short, his impact is eternal. He leaves behind not just memories, but a legacy of goodness that will live on in each person who learned from him, leaned on him, or simply walked beside him.
He is survived by his loving family, who will forever cherish the quiet grace with which he lived, the strength with which he loved, and the way he made them feel safe, heard, and loved. He is also survived by an extended family of friends, colleagues, neighbors, and community members who will forever remember his generosity, his wit, his empathy, and his quiet brilliance.
In this time of sorrow, we celebrate Josh’s life — not with fanfare, but with deep gratitude. We celebrate the way he lived: honestly, humbly, and always in service to others.
To the Family and Loved Ones of Josh Alinger,
Please accept my most heartfelt condolences on the loss of Josh. Words will never fully capture the depth of sorrow felt when someone so special, so steady, and so quietly extraordinary leaves this world.
Josh was the kind of person who gave without needing to be asked. Who listened more than he spoke. Who noticed when someone was struggling and stepped in without making it about himself. His goodness was not performative — it was ingrained in him. And it made all the difference.
He had a remarkable ability to make people feel safe, understood, and valued. I know that in my own life, his presence made even the hardest days feel manageable. He had a wisdom far beyond his years, and a generosity of spirit that shaped those around him in profound ways.
I hope that in the days ahead, as you navigate this immense grief, you are able to find comfort in knowing just how deeply Josh was loved — and how wide his impact truly was. His life was a gift to this world. And though he may no longer walk among us, his light will continue to guide us.
His legacy is not just in the work he did, or the causes he championed — it is in every heart he touched, every life he made easier, and every act of kindness he inspired. And for that, we are forever grateful.
May his soul rest in eternal peace, and may you find strength in the outpouring of love that surrounds you.
