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Justin Polazzo Obituary
Family-Placed Death Notice
POLAZZO, Justin JUSTIN MARCUS POLAZZO 12-31-76 - 2-4-08 Justin was born in Alma, Michigan on December 31, 1976. He was a tender soul, a world traveler and a workaholic. Justin had a special affinity for wild animals and plants. He could find wildlife when no one else could and he loved gardens. Justin was a self taught computer genius, he really loved his work and was so good at it, that a grateful client paid his airfare to Australia for a three week vacation. At the time of his death, Justin was employed at the Georgia Institute of Technology Office of Information Technology in the Division of Architecture and Infrastructure. Justin had a online community worldwide. A long lost relative living in Latin America connected with Justin on the internet. He said Justin was nothing but kind with us. He wanted our families to meet. He gave my grandfather, Rino Polazzo one of the best gifts he ever received when Justin helped him to reunite with Teseo Polazzo, Justin's grandfather, after a fifty year separation. Justin is survived by his parents, Carol Anson Stanwyck and Free Solomon Polazzo, his step-parents, Douglas Stanwyck and Janet Hemphill Minshall, his older brother, Chad Polazzo, step-sister, Liz Stanwyck, step-brothers, Joel and Eric Roache. We will miss Justin's spirit, but we will carry him with us always in our memory. A Memorial Service will be held at the Friends Meeting (Quakers) at 701 West Howard St., Decatur, GA at 2:30 PM, Sunday, February 10, 2008. Lincoln Funeral Home & Chapel, 2321 Candler Rd., Decatur, 404-289-1510.
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Memories and Condolences
for Justin Polazzo
Sponsored by Chad Polazzo.
Mikey Parry
January 10, 2024
I just happened to look up Justin by chance after talking to someone who knew him when I did. About 30 years ago I met Justin, Chad and Liz thru Devon. I hung out with Justin countless times back then, probably 1993-1996. Justin was... a character, a good character, he always had a positive attitude. It is no surprise to find he brightened other lives as well. May he rest in peace...
Justin at 30.
Pops!
May 22, 2016
I dream of Justin often. They are always about having fun together.
I remember when we were at dragoncon and he ended up sleeping in my room because all the hotels were full and of course he hadn't bothered to make reservations. The best Dragoncon EVER! So much partying. A side of the convention I hadn't known even existed. Of course, Justin was a party. That was one reason he attracted so many fans.
The world is not so much fun without him, but I've determined to have more fun even when I am awake. Justin knew about a lot of the insanity in this world and decided that being happy was a good way to change it.
Love you always!
Joel Crowe
June 5, 2015
It's been a long time and was just thinking about you bro. What I miss the most is hanging out with you and Liz down at the old "ruins" in Decatur. I cherish those memories and look back on them as some of the best times a kid could have.
November 19, 2014
Still miss you dude
April Hare
August 24, 2012
May our souls meet again
April Hare
August 24, 2012
I don't believe anyone was ever bored with Justin! He stretched out beyond the limits while challenging myself and others to look beyond the box. We had some good times and adventures...I'm glad to have been able to be a part of this guy's life.
Mauricio Lairet Polazzo
March 5, 2011
I met Justin on the Internet on mid 2000. As I am a Polazzo, I was looking for Polazzo family on the world for curiosity. He's name appeared on the results of the search engine and I entered that page, and found his email. So I wrote to him to see if he was related to my family. He replied and we connected each other through an instant messaging. Unbelievably, we dicovered he turned out to be the grandson of my grandfather's cousin (and best friend), who took separated ways little after WWII, and who never knew about each other in more than 50 years. Justin's grandfather moved to US and my grandfather moved to Venezuela, where I am from. The best part is that Justin and I met one day before father's day, and Justin came up with the brilliant idea of reconnecting both our grandfathers. So he asked me for my grandfather's phone number, and his grandfather called mine on that day, after more than 50 years. My grandfather was so happy. They spoke for long hours over the phone getting upated of each other's lives. That was one of the best father's day my grandfather ever had. After that, Justin and I kept connected by email everytime. So, that's a true story about how Justin's kindness brought happiness even to people he never knew. God rest his kind soul.
Justin at his home in with flower he grew!
Free Polazzo
March 1, 2011
Thanks Chad for extending this Guest Book.
It is very healing for me to read the many wonderful messages from people whose life Justin touched. Thanks to all who wrote and will write in the future, about how Justin was part of their life journey.
The messages are like the tip of an iceberg as Justin had such a big heart and who wanted to make this world a better place by bringing joy and peace into it. It seems he succeeded! One of his favorite phrases was "Get a Life!" And it wasn't a request, but an order!
Mike took this on a Sunday when the AC shut down at the data center @ GA Tech.building operations
February 4, 2011
February 4, 2011
I do believe that this world is the hardest on the most sensitive people. I have had friends over the years who had similar rocky lives and they are certainly "old" souls. I find it comforting to believe that we may meet those we lose later in life. He has a strong presence, even now. I hadn't thought about him for some time when I had the most vivid dream about his first visit here when we took a long hike in the forest close to my house. I woke up feeling so happy because I really treasure that memory. I was thinking so much about him that day that I googled his name and it was then that I found he had died just weeks earlier. I like to think of it as a gift from him; a goodbye.
I think your friend is right about Justin.
take care,
Elena
February 4, 2011
This is where he want to school (Piedmont North Academy on Peidmont Road just past the train tracks) and found that grasshopper that his teacher said he couldn't take home because " he belongs to the
school". Justin's reply was "You can't own a grasshopper!"
Justin and Free at Unified Solutions Fall '99
February 4, 2011
Justin in a tree at 7 years
February 4, 2011
Rafting the Nantahala
February 4, 2011
Here's the costume in full...
February 4, 2011
Justin at Dragon Con - he loved this costume
February 4, 2011
February 4, 2011
"And I'm talkin' about the Dude here -- sometimes there's a man who,
well, he's the man for his time'n place, he fits right in there -- and
that's the Dude,"
February 4, 2011
MJ
July 15, 2008
I met Justin at Mardi Gras in 1999. We stayed at the same youth hostel! While sitting with him and his sister in a little group on the patio, I was instantly stuck by his intelligent humor. We became fast friends. In the ensuing months and years we kept up with one another via sporadic phone calls, spontaneous roadtrips, and occasional visits throughout our respective, nomadic 20's. The news of his death, which I only stumbled upon when I googled him (after texting, calling--number disconnected--and e-mailing that I would be in Atlanta this month, came as a tragic shock. He holds, and will always hold, a special place in my heart.
Sally Berg
July 9, 2008
Justin will always be remembered as a young boy swimming down the canal in the Keys and looking for the biggest Florida lobster ever! The spot he found with a "ton of lobsters", so he said, is still being used today by his Florida family and friends.
Chad
July 6, 2008
I also wanted to include a link to an article about Justin on About.com
http://antivirus.about.com/b/2008/02/11/rip-dude.htm
(you'll need to copy and paste it into a browser and eliminate any spaces for it to work properly)
This is Justin about a year before he died as an extra on the set of American Gangster
July 6, 2008
This is a picture of us as boys (Justin was 3.5 years younger than me)
Chad Polazzo
July 6, 2008
To all of Justin's friends and family. I can not say in words how much it means to me to see how many people Justin has touched. Your words are thoughtful and appreciated. I have forwarded this guestbook to my parents and have included a few pictures of my brother. He and I were very close when we were young and, as family sometimes can, we drifted apart over the years. These words have helped me become closer to him even though he has moved on.
Thank you
Jon Torrez
June 9, 2008
I am angry at myself for never calling Justin back. We were,are; whatever great friends.
We spoke on December 29th when he gave me his address to his house in Atlanta "come on by you havne't seen the place yet" he said.
Why didn't I go? - its always too late when you realize friends, the people you enjoy are gone.
Justin tried to get me into GATECH to work along side him, we talked about "computer stuff" all the time.
He showed me the finer points of drinking Guinness, which since then has been my faovirte beer.
Justin I'm sorry I could have been a better friend.
I'll always remember the time we went to the Vortex with my friend Matt and how annoyed the waitress was when you just snagged us a seat instead of waiting in line.
I'll remember how we had a blast at the fireworks show at my house in Kennesaw in 2004.
Thanks for showing me that cool car card game.
Justin, rest in peace man.
Love
Jon Torrez
Justin in Kennesaw July 3rd 2004 enjoying BarB Que and friends.
http://www.bordergatewayprotocol.net/jon/me/photos/July_3_2004/DSC05717.JPG
Elena Butler (Jilek)
April 28, 2008
I met Justin at FGC in Oklahoma when we were 15 years old. He was my first true love! He was able to come to Kentucky to visit me a few times that following year and we spent hours talking on the phone. Unfortunately we lost contact eventually, and I regret that. I am glad that he led such a full, happy life before his untimely death. Justin will always be in my heart and mind as the kind, beautiful, gentle free spirit I knew him as when we were kids.
Katherine Vineyard
April 16, 2008
Would anyone mind posting some pictures of him? I couldn't bring myself to look at his pictures at the service and I regret that now.
I only had the pleasure of being Justin's friend for the last part of his short life. Within minutes of meeting him, he was ordering everyone Jager bombs and asking my husband and I if we wanted to buy a sailboat and sail around the world. Very few people can hold my attention the way he could and the manner in which he lived his life, head first and without worry, was a true inspiration. I can't begin to say how much he will be missed at Georgia Tech and in his circle of friends here.
Juha-Matti Laurio
February 19, 2008
I never met JP personally, but we posted frequently to the same security mailing list.
RIP Justin and all the best to family and friends around the family.
secgeek
February 16, 2008
I never met dude in person,but i had frquent talk with him over IM.he is nice,helpful and had good knowledge over the subject.i read his posts on a mailing list and those were nice.
he was a good friend and a person.
rest in peace dude(justin).
Old Friend
February 15, 2008
JP - I remember when we were both about 14, We swore that we'd take the secret to our graves, but I really don't think anyone cares about the time we got chased by the cops after throwing the Taylor's patio furniture into their swimming pool.
Sorry I 'outed' you. I'll always remember you fondly.
Dennis Henderson
February 15, 2008
I'll miss Justin. Never met him in person, but always looked forward to his email missives.
Steve Pirk
February 13, 2008
Even though I never met Justin in person, I followed his postings on a security mailing list I subscribe to. He always had good points to make and always seemed to see the good side of things. He never talked down to anyone and respected other's opinions. His obvious knowledge and wit were present in every post/reply he made. Already I can see the void that has been created by his passing. Justin, we will miss you. I hope you are in a better place now. To Justin's family, my condolences. Please be heartened that he was liked and respected my many who barely knew him personally, but who associated with him professionally.
April Clausi
February 13, 2008
Justin was my best friend and confidante for several years - we stumbled through some hard times, but in the end, made us better for it. I, along with many others will miss him greatly. He was and is an adventurous and creative soul. He made me look at things in life a little differently, and I always made him laugh.. I will miss that laugh and light in his eyes, but will always remember.
Anjum Khan
February 13, 2008
Justin was a good friend and co-worker. He was always willing to help others and was a unselfish person. He will truly be missed.
Justine Aitel
February 13, 2008
Myself and Dave are saddened to hear of the passing of Justin Polazzo.
We enjoyed the opportunity we had to work with Justin here in Miami and will ensure his contributions live on. We remember him as a unique, genuine, insightful and refreshing character and we are sorry to have not had the opportunity to get to know him better. He is missed.
Thomas Jarocki
February 12, 2008
I will always remember when Justin and I looked for crawfish at 2am in a stream somewhere in North Georgia. We caught a handful and boiled them in a cut open beer can over a roaring fire. Or the times when we had our talks at Waffle House on Howell Mill over a stack of waffles and hashbrowns......
Your journey here is done my friend, but I know as I write this you are already on a new adventure somewhere else..most likely still hiking around barefoot!
Chris Blask
February 12, 2008
My deepest condolences to Justin's parents, family and friends.
Justin was a voice to me in the groups where we discuss information security. He was passionate and humorous, sharing himself fully and always adding a twist to make you think and smile. The world is a little smaller and a little colder just now, but in honor of Justin we all keep the faith that it is in total a good world worth fighting for. His spirit lives in those who do not lose hope.
Rand Hall
February 12, 2008
Gosh, Dude was so funny. I'm glad I actually told him once...
"You often make me laugh--violently sometimes :-)"
Rest peacefully, Dude.
Paul Ferguson
February 11, 2008
I will miss you, Dude.
- ferg
Mike Blanchard
February 11, 2008
to the family of Justin, I only knew him through the various mailing lists that we were on together. I always enjoyed the conversations that we had together online. He will truly be missed. My condolances go out to you.
Mary Landesman
February 11, 2008
Justin, whom we knew as Dude VanWinkle, was an important contributor to security discussions. His insight, intelligence, compassion, wit, and integrity will be missed. People like 'Dude' are in short supply. His passing reminds me of the saying that "only the good die young". RIP, Dude. For his family, I am so sorry for the pain you must be suffering. Thank you for sharing him with us this past 31 years.
Joel Helgeson
February 11, 2008
I only knew Justin through the internet community. As a fellow security professional, he had earned my respect and the respect of his peers. It is sad to hear of his passing and may his family be comforted in this time of loss.
Gadi Evron
February 11, 2008
I was just woken up with the news of Justin's death and am unsure what to think or how to respond--I need to. I feel things are left unfinished, a light just disappeared without warning, and all I can think of is what I said to him, when and where. Was I nice? Was I respectful? Did I always treat him right? What could I do differently? What will our small corner of the universe look like without him?
What's clear is that he was a good guy who strove to always do better and was not afraid of voicing his opinion or making himself heard. He was also quick to apologize when necessary. His opinions never stopped him from seeing the person on the other side.
He took subjects he discussed seriously, but never lost sight of the fun. He never stopped learning and he evolved a great deal over the past couple of years in which I had the opportunity to know him. One day, I was hoping to meet him. He was a good guy.
He became an integral part of our community and only now I realize how much that is true.
He cared. I care. He is missed.
Jay Gallman
February 11, 2008
I am happy for the years I had to count Justin as a friend. He was one of a kind. I appreciated that he let his heart lead his life. We shared an appreciation for many things, travel and the wonder of the great outdoors amongst them. I always enjoyed those occasions when the two of us would slip off to some small place near campus to have lunch, sharing a love of good food as well. Alas no more.
Happy travels my friend, I will miss you.
Peace!
John and Shelly Bryson
February 10, 2008
I worked with Justin every day, and he was a very unique individual. He worked hard, but always kept a sense of humor. It seems like everyone knew him, and I know that he will be truely missed.
Luzette Cseplo
February 10, 2008
To Justin's family: Justin was wonderful person and free spirit. We always enjoyed his company and his humor. He will be missed.
From Steve and Luzette Cseplo
Teri Russell
February 9, 2008
I only recently met Justin, but he will be missed by everyone at Tech. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Pam Buffington
February 9, 2008
I've known Justin for many years through his work at Georgia Tech and while he was away from Tech. He was indeed an inspiration. He was always enthusiastic and never found a problem that he couldn't tackle. His optimism and spirit will be very missed. Justin's life was truelly amazing as he touched everyone he was near and was so important to so many of us.
Shon Williams
February 8, 2008
To the Polazzo Family,
Justin's energetic sense of humor kept me sane during my time here at Georgia Tech. I will miss him greatly.
Christopher Stapleton
February 8, 2008
My love to the family. Justin will be missed by me and many many others. I was just remembering Justin (age 7-9 cant remember) , Chad, Scott (my brother), Free and myself taking a trip to some beautiful park and Justin and I finding the biggest mud pit possible. You can guess what happened.
David Breedlove
February 8, 2008
Justin was a brilliant and kind man and will truly be missed.
Charlie Ledford
February 8, 2008
Free, Janet and family members: I am at a great loss for words at this time. I grieve so much for you and will be holding you in the light of divine love. From the things I read in the memorial passage, Justin is an example of the fact that the quality and impact of a life cannot be determined by its length. Love-- Charlie Ledford
Frank deMello
February 8, 2008
To Justin's family. We are thinking of you and will keep you in our prayers at this sad time.
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