Joshua Kemp Nenigar
Obituary

Joshua Nenigar was born at the San Diego Naval Base and passed away in El Cajon on December 4, 2025.

Joshua lived a life rich with passion, humor, and heart. He loved playing Magic: The Gathering, fishing, video games, camping, and attending punk rock shows, but nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his son. His journey of substance abuse recovery became a defining purpose in his life. As a Registered Alcohol and Other Drug Counselor, he dedicated himself to supporting others, offering empathy forged from his own lived experience.

Though he could be quiet and reserved among strangers, those who knew him saw a man full of laughter and warmth. His humor stretched from goofy dad jokes to dark, sharp wit, always delivered with unmistakable charm. Beneath his punk rocker exterior was a profoundly loving and generous soul. He cared fiercely for those around him and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. Many felt closer to Joshua than to their own family. No matter his struggles, he was the first to show up when someone asked for help.

Joshua took great pride in attending college and becoming a certified AOD counselor through CCAP. He was also a co-writer, alongside his wife, on research conducted through SDSU that examined oversight and regulation of sober living homes in San Diego County. Among his proudest accomplishments were becoming a father to his son, marrying his wife, and forging a path out of homelessness and criminality toward a life of meaning, purpose, and recovery.

He would want to be remembered simply and honestly: as a punk rocker in recovery.

Joshua is survived by his wife, Charlie Wolf; his son, Dante Wolfe; his mother, Kathleen Haskell; his older brother, Andrew Nenigar; and his younger sister, Stephanie Hatton.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026. A punk rock show in his honor, featuring four bands, will take place on January 24, 2026. A Magic: The Gathering game night will also be held in his honor, with the date to be announced.

He may have kept one foot in the gutter, but it was only to keep his hand out for those still struggling to make their way out. Joshua was deeply beloved and will be profoundly missed.