Josiah Salas

Josiah John Naol Salas was born Naol Sintayehu on November 3, 1997 (observed on May 10, 1998) in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia.

Through the miracle of adoption, on March 30, 2008, Josiah along with his younger sister, Naomi (Firaol Sintayehu) was welcomed into the arms of a new American family and traveled to the United States to begin a fresh life in Colorado. It was a huge adjustment to leave behind everything familiar and start over with a new family and friends, a new language (neither spoke English), new foods, customs, and experiences. Josiah was smart and energetic and eager to fit in. He wouldn’t even allow his parents to tell his first soccer coach he didn’t speak English! Josiah had an infectious smile and people were drawn to his charm, wit, and spunky personality. Josiah attended Smoky Hill High School where he was a star running back on the football team. He was a naturally talented athlete and excelled in every sport he tried… soccer, football, baseball… and was destined for greatness until his path turned in another direction. People even came from the opposite team to have him sign their Starbucks cup because they said “he’ll be famous someday.”

Josiah was a kind, respectful, and loving son. He was a loyal friend. He was always willing to step in to help, whether it was teacher struggling to the door with a load of books, someone being bullied or harassed, or a friend needing a ride to work. Josiah loved to party and have fun, he enjoyed listening to and creating rap music, and he dazzled the world with his fashion sense and designer clothes. He was a natural with children and treasured stepping into the role of father to his 4-month old daughter, Zaiya. The world was blessed to have Josiah in it.

On May 1st, 2021, Josiah was stolen from our lives; taken from this world far too soon. Life was difficult for Josiah. God in His Mercy and Grace saw his pain and struggles and reached down and saved him where no one else could. Josiah knew Jesus in his heart and we will meet him again in heaven.

Josiah is survived by his mother Nancy Salas, his father Sammy Salas, his devoted sister Naomi Grace Firaol Salas, his niece Zenovia Beverly, his precious daughter Zaiya Grace-Ortiz Salas and her mother Ashley Moreland, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, countless friends, and an extended family in Ethiopia.

Josiah was deeply loved by many. He will be remembered and cherished Always (in every moment of every day) and Forever (until the end of time).