Josue Alvaro Yañez

November 30, 1992– June 15, 2026

Josue Alvaro Yañez lived his 33 years with a heart so big it left an impression everywhere he went. On June 15, 2026, Josue passed away in St. George, Utah, leaving behind a legacy built entirely on kindness, compassion, and an innate desire to help anyone who needed it. His journey took him across the country. Born in California, Josue spent his early childhood on the West Coast before moving to New Jersey. He later attended The Milton Hershey School in Pennsylvania, where his resilient and generous character truly began to shine. But it was his time at Dixie State University that changed his trajectory completely. After arriving for school, Josue fell head over heels in love with the red rocks and open skies of Utah, deciding right then and there to make it his permanent home.

Josue simply loved nature. He found his greatest peace and joy in the quiet beauty of the outdoors, almost always with his loyal dog and sidekick, Melo, right by his side. Whether he was exploring or just taking in the fresh air, the outdoors was where he recharged his incredibly generous spirit.

More than anything, Josue’s world revolved around the people he loved, and his absolute greatest joy in life was being a dad. He was the greatest father a boy could ever ask for, totally and completely dedicated to his son, Leonardo. Leonardo was always his number one priority. Josue was constantly by his side, cheering him on at sporting events, sitting proudly through his piano classes, racing around the arcade, or just enjoying quiet walks together. Every moment spent with Leonardo was a moment Josue cherished.

Josue was also a deeply devoted husband to his wife, Jocelyn Villacorta, a dedicated son to his mother, Elizabeth Pantoja, a loving brother to Jacobo and Laila and belonged to a large, tight-knit family of aunts, uncles, and cousins who loved him fiercely and deeply. He was preceded in death by his father, Alvaro Yañez, with whom he is now reunited.

Though 33 years was far too short a time, the depth of Josue's love left an undeniable mark on this world. He taught us all what it means to give selflessly, to love without boundaries, and to put family above all else. His warmth and gentle spirit will be missed beyond words, but his legacy lives on—carried forward in the heart of his beautiful son, and in the quiet trails of the Utah landscape he loved so much.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 22, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., at Metcalf Bonzo Mortuary, 288 W. St. George Blvd, St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held from 1:30-2:30 p.m., prior to services at the mortuary.