Josiah Mark Gayle
March 4, 1988 ~ December 26, 2023
Resided in:
Scarborough, Maine
Scarborough - Josiah “Joe” M. Gayle, 35, passed away at his home on December 26, 2023. Born on March 4, 1988, in Park Ridge, IL, he was the son of Jerome “Jerry” and Caren (Pratt) Gayle.
He was born in Illinois, but Joe grew up in Maine. Despite finding school challenging, he returned to earn his GED, graduating alongside his sister. Known for his strength, Joe excelled at arm wrestling, no matter how burly his opponent was. His work at A-Plus Party Rental was more than a job; it was an opportunity to be present for people's special days. Joe embraced the physicality of his work, moving heavy loads, and using a sledgehammer with the motto "SEND IT." Joe's nature was outgoing, he would engage in conversations with anyone and everyone. He had a passion for travel; exploring snowboarding destinations with his sister and many road trips and adventures together, as well as visiting all the landlocked states in the USA by couch-surfing across the country. On Christmas Day Joe and Theresa would travel to friend's home's to "crash" their Christmas Day, a tradition they carried for many years.
Joe relished adventures in the woods and would sometimes get lost for hours. Joe could be described as energetic, positive, and caring, he put others first and had a knack for fixing anything; his smile truly was contagious. A skilled woodworker, Joe crafted many items, including tables, urns and a wooden sword for his son; he was constantly tinkering around the house with various projects. He was a fantastic father, while he could be tough when necessary, he would allow the kids to be adventurous (without mom finding out)!
He was member of the Rock Church, where he met his wife, Dyana, while serving hospitality. After a mission trip to Nicaragua, they began dating and they married on October 10, 2015. Joe spoiled his wife, not only by caring for the house, but also with cleaning and cooking meals. He relished in pocket sandwiches for breakfast and sardine lunches with Gramp over FaceTime. Above all, Joe deeply cared for and loved his family and friends. His light will be sorely missed.
Joe is predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Daniel Jay and Elizabeth Marie O’Neil, paternal grandparents Claude and Gladys (Waters) Gayle, uncles James “Jim” Gayle, Sigsby Gayle, and Donny Gayle, and aunt Peggy Neathery.
Joe is survived by his wife of 8 years, Dyana (O’Neil) Gayle of Scarborough; beloved dog, Winter Gayle; sons, Daniel Parish and partner Spencer Houle-Fulton and Scott Parish, all of Scarborough; sister, Theresa and husband Chris Skidgel of South Portland; nieces, Mary and Sarah Skidgel; and nephew, Christopher Skidgel; grandparents, Wilbur “Bucky” and Maybelle Pratt; uncles, Kenneth and wife Sandra Pratt, Kevin and wife Michelle Pratt; aunt, Cindi and husband Patrick Sweeney; and many cousins; special friends, Mark and wife Pamela Tibbetts and Gideon Hanson and his family.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00PM on Saturday, January 6, 2024, at The Rock Church, 66 Gorham Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074.
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Dyana and Gayle family, may you find peace and comfort in your fond and special memories of Josiah, and in the knowledge that he has gone on to his heavenly home.
Josiah was sitting in the church’s office near the entrance and when I saw him, we greeted each other with smiles, introductions; and he gave me a warm, friendly welcome.
Josiah, you are a good man, you are loved, and you’ve got the support of many friends. You can handle anything through your family, friends, and most importantly through Christ who gives you His strength.
I will always remember Josiah’s big smile and friendly, welcoming way. Also, his bear hug greeting as good friends.
Josiah brought light to others through his big smile and friendly personality.
My wife and I enjoyed getting to know Josiah and Dyana as we served together on the hospitality dream team at The Rock Church.
I love you joe!! Thank you so much for your help and our talks! You’re still my favorite nephew! Till I see you again, love aunt Cindi ❤ 💕 💖
Caring, talented, smart, committed to his work, just one heck of a awesome guy.
He was willing to teach an help anyone at work an outside of work if need be. His smile would make me smile even if I was having a bad day.
Met him 4 years ago at A+ Party Rental.
I met Joe 4 years ago when I started at A+ party Rental. He had his cowboy hat on an his plaid button up shirt with the sleeves cut off he looked like Kenny Chesney so I gave him a nickname from that day forward I called him Joe Chesney. He would go but the dishes room singing Kenny Chesney songs which made me laugh. Also I love the color pink so the card that he made the dishes room he spray painted pink for me for Christmas 2023 which made me smile when I came in to work. I will be missed very much.
My condolences to his wife, kids an family.
Becky E
Almost everyday I seen him.
Sincerest condolences 💐
His family
Smile
Loving caring person for everyone
Loving caring big heart for anyone he meet
Josiah He has been my neighbor for years and like a son to my family he always was there for you with open arms and such a wonderful open heart he had for everyone missed but will never be forgotten ❤️
Just being himself
Himself
Family
To love one another no matter what life hands us
He never wanted anyone to be lonely he was there for you
You will be missed. I’ve only know you a short time as I got to meet you and dyana threw Spencer and Danny but you were a great man with a big heart. You welcomed us with open arms and took care of everyone around you.
When I was a kid I used to get so excited when I heard Joe was coming over to hangout with my brother. He was just always so nice to me.
I will always remember when Joe stayed with us during his cross-country road trips. Lots of good talks, doing donuts in empty, iced-over parking lots, him telling me about his travels and his life. I always thought he was the coolest guy ever. I love you, Joe Cool
Joe and I started to get to know each other in a small group Scott Strickland led in the old Braeburn building. We had name tags and he didn’t make a pronounced swirl to his “J” so instead of reading Joe it read Toe and that’s what I called him for the longest time.
My girls were always drawn to him, it was one of their highlights going to church and of course his hugs !!!! They weren’t just hugs; you could feel how much he cared We are going to miss you Toe, but I can’t wait for that hug when we meet again in Heaven ♥️
Till we meet again Josiah. I love you.
His family! He adored family. The way he looked at his wife, you could see the love every time. The way he spoke of his parents and his sister was always love.
Josiah taught me that it is best to love everyone. Be there for people when you can and with a smile upon your face. It takes a stronger person to love than to hide from the world.
Josiah was the definition of true friendship, always there for the people he cared for.
Gayle family,
I am shocked and heartbroken hearing about Joe. He was the best human being I have ever met. A true friend. A hard worker. A beloved son, brother, husband, father. His spirit was a bright light in this crazy world. He loved utterly and selflessly.
He holds a special space in my heart and everyone else’s who knew him.
My heart aches for you all.
I will never forget him.
Much love,
Monica
I knew him from working at A+ Party Rental while I was in highschool/college. We became close friends and would camp and fish together.
I am thankful for having known you during my younger days when you would take me fishing! Fly high buddy! 🩷
Jojo’s wanting to help and he gave himself to everything he did .
Compassionate, focused and loyal 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
He radiated compassion for his work . And he was caring and there for friends and family. And he was so professional when dealing with a customer. You would think he was the owner . He was amazing man.🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Co workers at aplus party rental. He was mark right hand . He was always 2 steps ahead of mark and the team. He was always there to teach me things and never hesitated me being a girl didn’t matter he respected me . Love him forever
You are so missed so much jojo. You taught me so much and I gained your respect. You were the heart of the team at aplus party rental. I go into garage and I feel your spirit and I just stand there and cry. I love you so much and you are missed everyday. Godspeed my friend and you gave great hugs . Love always, Shelly 🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹
Godspeed Josiah , til we meet again love you 🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thank you Josiah for the laughter and love you shared with me as children
Josiah & I would use a certain ” bird ” call from our door steps to see if either one of us could play. Even his parents knew what we were up too, usually climbing to the tree tops.
Genuine, true, real and just the best friend you could ever ask for!
Heavens kingdom has gained an amazing angel and will shine brighter with you in it! Love you Dodo Bird!
Nothing was more important than family to him and family didn’t just mean his parents, sister and wife. His family included his friends and he cared deeply for each and every one of them. His Christmas Day trips with Theresa to crash peoples days were always a pleasant and welcome surprise.
My brother from another mother and my partner in crime from kindergarten to high school. Thought distance separated us, our bond could never be split.
Heaven is a brighter place with you in its kingdom, Dodo Bird! I miss you, love you and can’t wait to see you again someday at Heavens gates! My thoughts and prayers to your wife, kids, Jerry, Caren and Ree girl! ❤️🩹
I miss you and love you, Dodo Bird! Sorry that I didn’t do a better job of not letting life get in the way and staying in contact better with you.