Joshua Hilson, 52, passed away unexpectedly last week. A memorial service was held in Brooklyn on Sunday. 

Joshua is survived by his parents, Danielle and Douglas Hilson; his brother and sister-in-law, David and Jen Gordon; his sister and brother-in-law, Rachel and Dale Chilcote; his niece and nephews, Arielle and Benjamin Gordon and Evan and Liam Chilcote; his former wife Regina Furtek; his beautiful black cats, Shadowfax and Eowyn; and the many friends he made from all walks of life.

Born in the south of France and raised in New York City, Joshua was an amazing guitarist, pianist, and drummer who was passionate about building joy and connection through his music. In his youth, he toured with his bands Optimus Prime and Manet. Most recently, under the moniker “Haiku,” Joshua gave incredible musical performances in a variety of small venues in New York City and spent many summer days busking around the city.

In addition to his love for music, Joshua was a Cinema Audio Society (CAS) Award-winning sound mixer who served the movie industry in many behind-the-scenes roles, including as video playback. Through Local I.A.T.S.E 52, the union for sound engineers and other behind the scenes professionals in the movie industry, he worked on many high-profile films including the Bob Dylan film “A Complete Unknown,” which was nominated for many Academy Awards. Through his audio company, Trytone Sound, he worked to help minorities enter the movie industry and Local 52.

Skilled in many art forms, Joshua held a black belt in Traditional Okinawan Karate. He not only loved teaching karate, but also practiced and mastered a wide variety of martial arts and spiritual disciplines, including yoga and meditation.

He held a degree in English education from Hofstra University, and often served as a substitute teacher in the New York City public school system. He was especially adept at helping younger children negotiate their learning challenges and helping them find ways to overcome them. 

Education and taking joy in all forms of learning were important to Joshua. In his LinkedIn profile, he wrote, “Teachers are the modern-day guides to our having a better horizon. My Karate teacher changed my life and taught me how to be a compassionate, sober, loving person who values integrity and relationships over the outcome and cash and prizes of what we often think is of value.”

Joshua was a lifelong animal lover, sharing his home with beloved cats throughout his life. He was unable to endure animal suffering, even on the screen, and delighted in his family’s dogs over the years.

Joshua was deeply loved and will be missed by many. A talented, generous, spiritual person and a devoted member of his AA community, he was always focused on the health and well-being of his friends and family.