I met Justin in 1992. We played 105lb football together with Mike and Jason Blumstein . Josh Boumel. Matt Cahill and Adam Whitney to name a few. Jeremy Brown's dad was our coach and Connie was the team mom. We went 7-1. Conference Champions. I remember Justin had a long TD on a fumble recovery and I was blocking for him along the way. That was the start of a friendship that lasted the next 28 years.
We were complete opposites but we shared a strong bond. Loyalty is very important to me and Justin was my most loyal friend. He knew I always had his back and I knew I could always count on him. I believe that your true friends are the ones that would help you move and Justin & I helped each-other move many times. He even helped my sister and Robin move from Brooklyn into the city. They lived in a 2-family home in Bay Ridge and the landlord rented additional parking spots in the back. I guess we were all inside and someone needed the u-haul moved so they could get their car out so Justin decided to move the truck. He didn't bother to close the back. He just jumped in and like Justin would do he started driving down the wrong way of a one way street with all my sisters furniture inside and the back open. We came out screaming for him to stop and he finally did. He told us not to worry, he was going to back it right up and everything would be be fine. Except he didn’t know how to drive the truck and there were parked cars all over the street. Traffic started backing up and everyone was honking and yelling at him. He ends up wedging the middle of the truck on a parked cars bumper and when he couldn’t make the situation any worse he put it in park & threw me the keys. I'm stuck so you’re gonna need to move the truck he said. I don't know how we got out of that but we did.
I have so many stories about what a nut Justin was and how much I'm going to miss him (especially drinking my coffee in the morning and reading the texts he'd send me in the middle of the night) but I'd like to just say a few things about Connie & Jerry.
You guys were incredible parents to Justin and I’ve always admired you both.
Connie your love for Justin was unconditional. You were always his biggest supporter and gave him everything he needed and more. He was proud to be a “momma’s boy” (he had it tattooed on his arm) and he loved you so much.
Jerry you were his hero. Justin looked up to you and always wanted to make you proud. I know how much he enjoyed the time you guys spent together especially these past few years.
I hope you find peace in knowing Justin loved you guys and he knew how much he was loved. Jacki & I send our deepest condolences to you, Courtney, Shannon, Hunter and all the extended family.
Justin Cecere
