Born and raised in Florida, Weaver cultivated a career in hospitality early on, working his way up from server and bartender roles in his twenties to becoming one of Naples’ most respected figures in fine dining management. Colleagues recall his tireless work ethic, balanced by his easygoing demeanor and sharp attention to detail.

“He just got it,” said Sofia Morales, a sous-chef at Nosh. “He didn’t just manage the restaurant—he embodied it. Every time something went wrong, he was the calm in the storm. Every time something went right, he made sure to credit the team.”

Weaver joined Nosh on Naples Bay shortly after its opening and played a pivotal role in its rapid rise in both popularity and prestige. Situated along Naples Bay, the restaurant is known for its creative seafood-forward menu, stylish ambiance, and unrivaled hospitality—much of which can be directly traced back to Weaver’s leadership.

“He had this incredible ability to make every guest feel like they were the most important person in the room,” said regular patron Diane Levingston. “He’d remember your name, your favorite drink, even your dog’s name. That kind of memory, that kind of care—it’s rare.”

The Human Behind the Hospitality

Beyond the restaurant’s walls, Josh Weaver was known as a loving son, a supportive friend, and a community connector. His parents, Thomas and Renee Weaver, described him as someone who always found a way to lift others up, even during difficult times.

“He was the one who would organize Thanksgiving dinners for neighbors who had no family nearby,” said Renee. “He made every moment feel special—whether he was working or just spending time with loved ones.”

Weaver was also a mentor to many young professionals in the hospitality industry. Under his guidance, several of his colleagues have gone on to become managers, chefs, and restaurateurs themselves. He was known to conduct impromptu career counseling sessions during breaks and encouraged continuing education for all his staff.

His loss is particularly difficult for the team at Nosh, many of whom consider him family.

“I just can’t imagine walking into work and not seeing him there,” said Jessica Tran, the restaurant’s bar manager. “He was the glue that held us all together.”

Remembering En Tie: A Life of Quiet Grace

While Josh Weaver was a prominent public figure, En Tie—who was with Weaver at the time of the accident—lived a quieter life. Though not widely known in public circles, En Tie was described by friends as introspective, thoughtful, and deeply caring. Originally from Taiwan, En Tie had relocated to the Naples area several years ago and built a small but close-knit community of friends and confidants.

Those who knew En Tie well say their presence brought calm to every room. “They had this serene energy,” said Julia Zhao, a close friend. “You just felt better around them. Whether it was talking about art, philosophy, or food—they always offered something meaningful.”

Friends shared that En Tie had a passion for eastern philosophy, herbal medicine, and meditation. They were also known for handcrafting tea blends and would often gift personalized teas to friends during the holidays.

“Losing them both is devastating,” said Zhao. “En Tie brought out the softest, most reflective parts of Josh. They balanced each other.”

A Community Rallies in Grief

As news of the tragedy spread, tributes poured in through social media and community forums. By Sunday morning, a makeshift memorial began to form outside Nosh on Naples Bay’s entrance, with candles, flowers, and hand-written notes piling up by the hour.

Naples Mayor Teresa Heitmann issued a statement Sunday afternoon, offering condolences on behalf of the city. “Josh Weaver represented the best of Naples—generosity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to service. His loss, along with that of En Tie, is a tragedy that touches every corner of our community.”

A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Friday evening outside the restaurant, and a Celebration of Life service is planned for early next week at Cambier Park Pavilion, where the public is invited to share stories, music, and prayers.

A GoFundMe page, launched within hours of the accident, has already raised over $75,000 to assist Weaver’s family with funeral expenses and provide support for the restaurant staff during their time of grief.

A Lasting Legacy

While Josh Weaver’s passing is an incalculable loss to Naples and the hospitality community at large, many are determined to ensure his legacy endures. Plans are underway to rename Nosh on Naples Bay’s private dining room “The Weaver Room” in his honor—a tribute to the man who infused every corner of the restaurant with warmth and vitality.

In the weeks and months ahead, it is clear that Josh’s impact will continue to ripple throughout the city.

“He was a light,” said friend and fellow restaurateur Marco Del Rio. “And that light doesn’t just go out. It spreads—in every person he trained, every meal he made memorable, every act of kindness he performed. He made Naples better, and we owe it to him to carry that spirit forward.”

As for En Tie, those who knew them are discussing plans for a quiet memorial by the water, where friends can reflect, share tea, and honor a life lived with intention, empathy, and grace.

In the words of one note left outside Nosh:
“You gave us joy, you gave us laughter, you gave us care. You were more than a manager. You were family. Rest in peace, Josh. Rest in peace, En Tie. You will never be forgotten.”